Two of the main teachers' unions have said there is no reason why national and secondary schools should not reopen as planned for the new term, despite fears over swine flu.
The statements from the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland came after meetings between union representatives and the Department of Education to discuss how to deal with the influenza.
INTO President Máire Ní Chuinneagáin she said her organisation was very happy with arrangements made by the Department of Education and school authorities, but said some issues needed to be clarified.
Ms Ní Chuinneagáin said that if the situation changes regarding school closures, the HSE was the agency to recommend such measures.
Primary schools around the country are due to start opening for the new school year in the coming weeks.
Before attending today's meeting, INTO General Secretary John Carr said there is not a good record in Ireland of hygiene facilities in schools, particularly in relation to the provision of hot water for washing hands.
He said the union would insist that guidelines and washing facilities are available in all schools.
Mr Carr also said the INTO hopes that teachers will be given priority when a vaccine programme begins.
Secondary schools
The ASTI said there should not be a disproportionate response to the threat to schoolchildren and that schools and teachers should be guided by the current expert medical advice, particularly on hygiene.
A letter is to be issued to all schools providing advice on helping to prevent the spread of the flu and what should be done if a student develops flu-like symptoms.
Secondary schools will be told to continue to operate normally unless otherwise advised by their local Public Health HSE doctor.
Unless the local HSE advice is to close as a precautionary measure, the school or college should remain open.
With regard to high levels of staff absenteeism each school or college must assess the viability of remaining open.
ASTI General Secretary John White reiterated that in this matter schools and teachers will operate on the expert advice from the local public health doctor and will endeavour to continue with their normal routine of life at school.
It was confirmed two days ago that a second person in the Republic had died from the virus.
