Joyous scenes as schools return but Minister warns of congregating at gates 

Maisy Martin 5 with her mother Karen Martin both from Clondalkin during the 1st day back at school following an easing of Covid Coronavirus restrictions at Gaelscoil Clondalkin on the Old Nangor Rd, Dublin Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins

Education Minister Norma Foley has reiterated public health appeals for parents of children returning to school this week to not congregate at the school gates.

Younger classes, from junior infants to second-class, returned to their schools today, as did final year Leaving Cert students. It means 320,000 children return to school today.