The Education Minister says lockdown has been a traumatic experience for children with special needs.
Children and parents have been left disappointed for a second time this month, after it was confirmed special schools will not reopen tomorrow.
Ethel Murphy Corr, one of the many parents of children with special needs who feels let down today.
The Education Minister Norma Foley says there was daily engagement with unions in an effort to reopen special schools.
The Department of Education agreed to special arrangements around childcare for teachers and agreed to allow pregnant staff to temporarily work from home as requested.
Andy Pike from Forsa, which represents SNAs, says his members are anxious and afraid to return to the classroom.
While John Boyle of the INTO says everyone needs to focus finding a solution.
Minister Foley says she will continue to pursue every avenue to ensure that in-person learning is returned for children with special needs as soon as possible.
Opposition parties have questioned the Education Minister's ability to oversee the re-opening of schools.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald saying it was an attempt at policy by press release:
Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore saying Education Minister Norma Foley needs to re-open talks with unions:
With Labour's Aodhan O'Riordain also urging the Taoiseach to intervene:
Micheál Martin rejected criticism branding some of it party politics, and saying the Minister had engaged with stakeholders to try to get this done.
Government figures are still targeting a full return to school from February 1st, but that plan looks to be in more difficulty than ever.
