Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Alan Mongey has asked me to clarify exactly what he said the last day and I am very happy to do that. Turning to the transcript, he stated that "if parents want students returning to school in September, they must realise that heading off on a foreign holiday to Portugal or Spain is going to challenge significantly the ability of schools to accept those students through their doors at the beginning of September." He continued by stating "This is all about trying to keep Covid-19 out of schools and trying to maintain safe, healthy practices within schools." I am very happy to clarify that for Mr. Mongey.

There are various projections about what will happen in September, but based on current preparedness in the Department and in schools and current rates of infection, what is the most likely scenario? Is it that every school will return at the end of August for five full school days? Is it anticipated that it will be possible to have early drop-offs and homework clubs after school?