Work is continuing this weekend on completing the Government's plan for the reopening of schools at the end of next month.

Secondary school teachers have expressed reservations about funding the new arrrangements. 

The reopening of schools has been described as a "top priority" by Government to ensure children and teachers are back in the classroom fully by September. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said a major financial package will allow for this to happen with the details of the reopening plan being finalised this weekend.

It will then be presented to Cabinet on Monday.

It is understood the roadmap for reopening will have a strong focus on safety training and a major escalation of cleaning practices.

Unions have expressed concerns over some aspects of it and want firm assurances on funding.

The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) has said it will need more teachers if classes have to be split and more provision for substitution would be required.

The  Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) and the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) have also flagged this issue of ensuring there is not a situation where schools are left short staffed.

They also say significant investment is needed to update school infrastructure to meet public health requirements.

Fórsa, which represents 15,000 non -teaching education staff, have said it believes there is a "boosted confidence" that schools will reopen.

It said it has had assurances that substitution roles and replacements will apply to non teaching staff which would increase the costs of this plan. 

Schools to fully reopen next month, says Taoiseach
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