Schools remain due to open on 11 January, despite dramatic rise in cases

"Public health has been consistent in saying that schools are safe places for our children."

The Department of Education has said that it is still planned that schools will reopen on 11 January. Initially, schools were due to reopen on 6 December, but when further safety restrictions were put in place, the reopening was delayed until 11 January. As case numbers, hospitalisations and ICU numbers rise, the Government says that no further delays to the reopening of schools have been discussed yet. In a statement issued to RTÉ on Sunday morning, the Department of Education reiterated this stance, saying: "Both the Department and the Government fully intend that the schools will reopen on 11 January. "This extended break will allow every member of the school community to follow public health advice closely and minimise their contacts before children return to school. "It is the belief of both the public health and the department that schools remain safe places of learning for all members of school communities. "The department will continue to engage with education stakeholders and public health." Speaking to Newstalk on Sunday morning, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also said that the plan remains for schools to reopen on 11 January, but that the situation will be monitored.