Call to close primary schools on Friday as Covid 'running riot' in classes

On Tuesday, the Department of Education said it had no plans to alter the Christmas school break or to close early. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Seanad has heard calls to shut primary schools early on Friday ahead of Christmas in the interest of public health. 

Speaking in the Seanad on Wednesday morning, Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer called on Education Minister Norma Foley to close schools this weekend.