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Schools must be given room to act for safety, unions tell government
Pupils of Scoil Naomh Lorcan in Omeath walk into school after their lunch break, as junior Infants to 3rd class pupils return to school.

SCHOOLS reopening fully on Monday must be given flexibility to take their own measures to strengthen the safety of students and staff, education unions told ministers today.

A joint statement by nine unions representing teaching and support staff asserted that safety was “paramount” and that the government had a responsibility to “put in place a robust framework of protection and support.”

It argued that many scientists, including the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), had recommended a phased reopening and had warned that the measures now in place may not be enough to deal with the increased risk of airborne transmission as schools reopen fully.

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