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TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said the government’s focus is on a return of special needs education, suggesting that a wider return of schools is not currently in train.
Schools have not returned since the Christmas break and the government confirmed on 6 January that they would remain closed for this month as the country remains under Level 5 restrictions.
Speaking to reporters today, Martin said there is “no talk at the moment in terms of any relaxation or reversing of restrictions”.
He said restrictions would be continuing into February but that this would be discussed by the Cabinet’s sub-committee on Covid-19 on Monday and by Cabinet on Tuesday.
“We are looking at a continuation of restrictions into February. I think you can take it that we’ll take stock every four weeks of the situation,” he said.
Given the high level of community transmission out there still – and it is very high out there – I don’t think one can envisage any significant relaxation of restrictions at this particular point in time.
Asked whether the level of restrictions he was referring to included school closures, the Taoiseach said that it includes “all areas” but that schools are an essential service.
I really don’t want to pre-empt the Cabinet Committee meeting on Monday, but clearly community transmission levels are very high, the focus right now and the attention of the Minister for Education is on special schools and special education, working with the partners in education to see if we can develop a proposal around special education provision.
Last week, the government had announced that agreement had been reached to begin a phased return for special education but that plan was abandoned this week after unions said they opposed the move due to fears raised by parents and staff.
Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Education and various stakeholders about the return of special education and the Taoiseach said this evening that was the priority.
I met with the Minister for Education and her officials this morning, with my officials, to take stock – they are continuing to work, the minister is, with the partners in education and all still share an objective, a combined objective, to make provision for children with special needs as soon as that’s possible.
“That work is ongoing. On the wider schools issue, that issue will be discussed by the Cabinet committee on Monday, and we’ll await the input of ministers and the other party leaders on that.”
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Very sad a huge loss RIP
An incredible broadcaster and a huge loss.
Always felt like you were on a couch in the studio listening to her and the guests
oh no RIP, hard to believe. Thanks Marian
Totally shocked and devastated. I have followed MarIan Finucane since 1979. I looked forward to her radio shows on Saturday and Sunday and made sure to tune in when l was away. Rest in Peace Marian you will be missed so so much.
@Orla Cosgrave: l will always remember ” Hello there” l used to say it every Saturday and Sunday just before Marian started. I am devastated and so so sad at the loss of this amazing broadcaster.
Loved when she would say “Hang on the bell a minute”. Never afraid to stop someone in their tracks. A fantastic, personable interviewer who let her guests talk so we could listen. With herself and Gay gone there is no one left who cold hold a candle to them as well read broadcasters.
One of the best, no doubt. Gone before her time.
“On Saturdays and Sundays from 1999 she spoke to people who ran Ireland ” no offence but the woman only started her weekend show in 2005. The article is an ill fitting piece of journalism. Nothing personal but 1)do your job right and 2) see point 1. Facts are sacred. The woman was a national treasure she deserves more than lazy journalism. RIP Marian.
@SF Knee Knockers: have some respect will you. R.i.p to a broadcasting legend.
Far too young
Extremely sharp , Mariam’s Quick witted ,Dry humored input was amazing..How the mighty could fall with her simple layman’s description of her Take ( mainly the listeners point of veiw too) on a subject …May She Rest In Peace ..
She will be missed. She was never afraid to put the boot in and ask the hard questions when needed
Rip,,,,cue another RTÉ late late special
@Martin Smith: ah seriously Martin neither clever or witty . Tonight not the night to get valuable likes cause u dont like rte . Have a bit of pride good man
@Karl C: I did…then I criticised the Journal.
@SF Knee Knockers: ah will u cop on ffs
@SF Knee Knockers: knob head
She will be missed..RIP
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