Confusion at Cabinet over reports schools would re-open on March 1

One minister said: "We were all a bit shocked and we looked up from our phones, when people began to ask questions.” 

Some said Taoiseach Micheál Martin was “taken aback” at the suggestions when clearly no plan was in place. Photo: Julien Behal

There was considerable confusion and annoyance at Cabinet today as ministers were confronted with reports about a plan to re-open schools on March 1, which they had not been told about.

Several ministers, speaking to the Irish Examiner, expressed their “shock and surprise” at media reports about a proposal for children return to the classroom.