Anthony Dowling: We want to return but there are still problems to be solved 

The social and educational needs of our students are at stake. Everyone wants to go back. For six months we have waited, the plan is not fair, it is not clear, and it is not safe, writes Anthony Dowling. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin during a visit to St Fiachra's Senior National Catholic School in Beaumont, Dublin, with Áine Carberry principal of Scoil Fiachra Junior National School, and Minister for Education Norma Foley. Picture: Julien Behal/PA Wire

As the much-anticipated return of schools occurs, it is with great anxiety I write this. As a post-primary teacher, I have been away from the classroom for close to six months at this stage. 

I am very eager to return. I want to be back doing the job I love. Teaching from home and via Teams, Edmodo, and Zoom  are not the same. Every colleague I talk to agrees with this. We ALL want to be back.