Unions representing teachers have welcomed the Cabinet decision to keep primary and secondary schools closed until 11 January.
The measures are being introduced under plans to tackle the increasing spread of Covid-19. Primary and secondary schools had been due to reopen on Wednesday 6 January.
Childcare facilities and créches are not affected by the decision. Reacting to the announcement, the General Secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland said the association wants people to be able to go back to school in a situation where students' and teachers' safety is assured.
Speaking to RTÉ's Drivetime, Kieran Christie said the level of relative safety that was in existence between September and Christmas needs to be