INTO asks the Government to delay the reopening of schools

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The National Organization of Teachers of Ireland (INTO) has called on the government to delay the reopening of schools as Ireland struggles with a growing number of Covid-19 cases.

It comes before tomorrow’s cabinet meeting, where more restrictions will be discussed, in light of the record 1,546 new confirmed cases in Ireland today.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Norma Foley, INTO Secretary General John Boyle asked that the start of the next school term be delayed until Monday, January 11, “at the earliest.”

“INTO remains strongly committed to supporting our 42,000 members in safe workplaces as they strive to teach and support the well-being of their students in school, where children undoubtedly benefit greatly,” said Mr. Boyle.

“However, it is now very clear that the ability of schools to operate normally is likely to be seriously affected due to the increased numbers of staff and students who will need to isolate themselves and / or restrict movement in the weeks after Christmas,”, Added.

INTO raised a number of concerns that included what they say is an increase in the number of positive cases identified as a result of massive tests in schools in recent weeks, and the belief that a new strain of Covid-19, believed that 70% more transmissible, is already in Ireland.

According to Boyle, an extension of school closings until the end of next week would give school boards time to implement improved measures.

These include additional supports for students, finding substitutes to cover for staff members who may be absent, and restocking physical education equipment and sanitizing fluids, where school supplies are running low.

“In our opinion, your government would also be in a better position by the end of next week to take into account the emerging scientific evidence regarding new Covid-19 variants than it could possibly be within the next seven days.” stated Mr. Boyle in his letter.

Currently, the schools are expected to reopen on January 6.

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said this afternoon that it is not about the reopening of schools in January.

“Schools will open in January. It is not something that has come up in the Cabinet, and Minister Norma Foley, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have been very clear about it, ”said O’Brien, speaking in Newstalk.

“These restrictions are different from March. Construction remains open, as do all ancillary services, and most importantly for our children and young adults, our schools will remain open,” he said.



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