Teacher and Special Needs Assistant trade unions are expect to be briefed on the latest public health advice on the reopening of schools at a crunch meeting with the Department of Education this afternoon.
The up-to-date advice will be critical in finalising agreement with unions on how and when to proceed with the phased return to the classroom.
The Cabinet is expected to take a final decision on school reopening tomorrow. For schools to begin the move towards a full reopening two things are critical: the public health advice must support the process, and those working in schools must be on board.
For some time now the Department of Education and unions have been working on a plan that would see Leaving Certificate students, and the