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Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said that “talks are ongoing” between the Department of Education and the teacher unions about reopening schools next month.
When asked on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live about the reopening of some classes on March 1, Donnelly said it was his understanding that “concerns had been raised” and that “conversations are continuing.”
Donnelly said Education Minister Norma Foley was “hopeful” that an agreement could be reached tonight or tomorrow, and that she understands that parents are “frustrated” by the lack of certainty.
“Minister Foley is still in negotiations with the unions on this, and the cabinet hopes to be in a position to announce something tomorrow,” he said.
“All I can say is … that the talks are still ongoing and what the Cabinet wants to announce is that they will reopen,” he added.
Subsequently, Minister Donnelly issued a clarification, saying that meetings with the teachers’ unions concluded on Monday afternoon and that the government intended to make an announcement after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Clarification on the return of schools – Meetings with the teacher unions concluded this afternoon. The government intends to make an announcement after the Cabinet in accordance with the plans already outlined.
– Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) February 23, 2021
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said that talks were held with the unions this afternoon, focusing on public health issues, and that “at the end, the union delegates went to inform their executives.”
“The Department expects to hear from the government on the proposals in the morning.”
According to plans, the staged reopening would see a return on March 1 for juniors and seniors, first and second class, and Leaving Cert students.
Third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students as well as fifth year students would return on March 15th.
All other classes would return on April 12.
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Previously, teachers’ unions and other representatives of educational partners were informed that the latest public health councils support the cautious and gradual reopening of schools beginning on March 1.
Education partners attended meetings this afternoon with Education Minister Norma Foley and officials from her department.
The latest public health council backs a gradual reopening, and unions have also received confirmation that other key demands of theirs will be met to support the return.
They include the extension of provisions that allow teachers and other school workers who are pregnant or in a high-risk health category to continue working from home for the time being.
All of this helps clear the way for schools to reopen as of March 1, beginning with Leaving Certificate students at the second level, and with the junior four years at the elementary level.
Union sources have said that they will now analyze the government’s proposals, which are expected to be approved in the Cabinet tomorrow.
It has been suggested in the talks that the fifth year could be the next to return, in the middle of the month.
Additional info: Emma O Kelly
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