Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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1073. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is planned to restore the three school days (details supplied) that were missed prior to the commencement of remote learning in order to ensure that children are not disadvantaged any further as a result of the closure of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20438/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decision, taken on 30 December 2020, on foot of public health advice to reduce mobility in the community, was to extend school holidays by 3 days.

The scheduling of the school holiday periods during the academic years is agreed between the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and my Department for the purposes of standardising breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term. This is important to ensure certainty for the school community about the dates of school holidays and these arrangements are set out in Department circular 0005/2020. There are no plans to extend the school year beyond the arrangements set out in this circular.