Norma Foley accused of overseeing a 'shambles' on schools reopening

Fianna Fáil's Eamon Ó Cuív and Fine Gael TD Kieran O'Donnell both suggested that Ms Foley should go into a Brexit-style "tunnel" to hammer out a resolution. File picture: Larry Cummins

The education minister has been accused of exacerbating tensions with teaching unions after she claimed they have refused to accept public health advice.

Opposition and Government TDs called on Norma Foley to not speak publicly until after a full agreement is reached to get children with special educational needs back into classrooms.