Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said it is the Government's focus and target that both primary and secondary schools reopen as fully as possible at the end of August.
Speaking on RTÉ's Six One during his first TV interview as Taoiseach, Mr Martin said that it was extremely important for children and young people, in terms of their education and development that this happens.
The Fianna Fáil leader said children needed to be back in schools and emphasised that what was published was interim advice.
He said there was still time to update the advice on the planned reopening of schools. Mr Martin said he is taking a cautious approach to the question of travel.