All students, including sixth years, will return to remote learning

The Government has gone back on its decision after just over 24 hours.

All students, including sixth years, will return to remote learning, it has been confirmed. Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed the news the day after it was announced that Leaving Cert students would be in three days per week. In a statement released on Thursday night, Foley said: "It is with regret that I announce that, despite the confirmation by Public Health that schools remain safe, that children in special schools and special classes and Leaving Certificate students will not be extended in-person learning. "I also felt it was the right thing to extend in-class teaching to our Leaving Certificate students who are approaching a crucial time in their exam year. "Unfortunately I am left with no alternative but to pause the limited reopening on Monday to allow further engagement with all education stakeholders." The Department of Education also released a statement, where it said that "Closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level. "For children, it impacts on wellbeing, learning, on social and emotional development." Earlier on Thursday, The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) directed its members to teach remotely, and not to go into schools three days a week.