Simon Coveney described the volunteers as an “essential cog” in Ireland’s frontline emergency response to the spread of coronavirus

Bairbre Doyle, principal of Sonas Special Junior School, had been a bit nervous about what students would make of teachers in their masks.

The government is being advised to lift the 14-day quarantine for incoming passengers by July 1.

Children will have to learn at home four days a week should physical distancing guidelines remain in place when schools reopen, or stay at home for at least two school days should the 2-metre rule be reduced to one.

Public health guidance in the hospitality sector on physical distancing will be reviewed over the next week or two, the Health Minister has said.