The Minister for Education has ruled out extending the Christmas school holidays this year.

The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) and the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) have both called for the school term to finish on Friday December 18th, rather than Tuesday 22nd.

The unions said the plan would offer respite to students and teachers after a highly stressful few months - and allow children to meet their grandparents in a safer way over Christmas.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Education Minister Norma Foley said the holidays will remain as planned.

“I want to acknowledge the great work that goes on in schools on an ongoing basis and the enormous goodwill of all of the school community over the last number of months,” she said. "It has really just been spectacular."

“In relation to the Christmas holidays, I am very conscious as minister that the calendar has been set and that families, parents and guardians have organised the schedule around that calendar.

“I am conscious too of time that has been missed between March and the end of June and the necessity to make up that time.”

She also noted that “public health is advising us that schools are a safe environment.”

“It is the best environment for children and indeed for all who work there,” she said. “It is a very, very safe environment. We must be mindful of all of those considerations.”

Minister Foley also said schools would deal with any ventilation issues over the winter with “an abundance of practicality and common sense.”

Teachers unions have warned that schools may be forced to close if there is any cold snap in the coming months – as many do not have adequate ventilation to keep children in classrooms with windows closed.

“I suppose we have to acknowledge really, from the outset, this is a challenge for all buildings,” said Minister Foley. “I don’t think any buildings were built with COVID-19 conditions in mind.

“Very clear guidance issued to schools at the end of August in relation to ventilation and indeed, updated guidance is currently with the partners in education for their consideration and observations.

“The advice really is very clear in terms of, windows are open when classes are not in use, during break times and during lunch times and vents are opened.

“Really, it is an abundance of practicality and common sense.”

She said the introduction of air quality metres in classrooms would do little to solve the problem, noting that “they really just advise when a room needs to be ventilated.”

The minister said it is too early to say whether teachers will be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available – noting that those with underlying conditions, the elderly and healthcare workers are likely to be first in line.

She said she has “every confidence” that teachers will be considered as part of the rollout strategy.

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