Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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167. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will take into account schools which have multi-grade classes, for example in which second and third-class are taught together, when she is making decisions on the reopening of primary schools; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a phased return of schools could create difficulties for a teacher who would be required to engage in online teaching and face-to-face teaching in such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10739/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has developed a plan with the relevant education stakeholders for the phased return to in-school learning for children in primary, post-primary and special schools. From the 1 March the first four classes at primary level – junior and senior infants, first and second class – and final year Leaving Certificate students will return to school. This phase will also see a return to full attendance for children in special schools. This is in addition to the reopening of special schools on 11 February on a 50% attendance basis and all special classes reopened fully from 22 February. Guidance has been provided to schools for instances where mixed grade classes include some pupils from senior classes that those children should also return to school. This approach avoids the difficultly raised by the Deputy.

The full re-opening of our schools for all students in line with public health advice remains a top priority for Government and my Department is focussing on the safe return of all remaining cohorts of pupils, including those children in 6th class, and students to school at the earliest opportunity in March, with the last group of post primary students set to return to school after the Easter Break.