Varadkar: Falling case numbers open way for schools re-opening 

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the reason the Government plans to reopen schools on a phased basis is due to the new, more transmissible variants.

With remote learning set to remain in place for at least the next six weeks, decreasing daily cases of the virus will play a key role in the Government's plan to reopen schools on a phased basis. 

Beginning with children with special educational needs, the Government plans to reopen schools for in-person learning across February and March.