24 March, 2020 / Covid-19 Statement from the Department of Education and Skills.
All schools, pre-schools and further and higher education settings will remain closed to students until April 19th, 2020.
The decision has been taken following advice from the NPHET (National Public Health Emergency Team) as part of efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.
All young people and children are urged to practice social distancing, and to minimise physical contact to keep themselves and others healthy and to limit the spread of infection.
This should include minimising social contact, avoiding meeting up and keeping physical space of two metres between each other.
Parents and guardians are urged to support young people and children to follow those simple guidelines.
Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, said: "This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, not least students and their parents.
The decision to keep schools closed until after the Easter break is based on public health advice.
It is a hugely important aspect of our continued effort to limit the spread of Covid-19."