The Dept of Education has confirmed that schools will reopen after the Christmas break as planned, with some extra supports and resources made available to principals.

There had been calls for a staggered opening, or even delaying the return to class as the Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly with record-breaking cases in the last few days.

INTO President Joe McKeown was in the meeting with Education Minister Norma Foley, he explained how the government will support schools with extra staff resources.

Principal in Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim, Alan Kelly, gave his reaction to the news, as did Tanya Ward of the Children's Rights Alliance.