Minister for Education Norma Foley has reported "significant progress" in the plan to fully reopen schools at the end of the summer.
The coronavirus pandemic resulted in the closure of schools across the country in mid-March. The Government published its roadmap to school reopening on 28 July.
"Schools are using the resources and grants provided by the department effectively, to plan their reopening," she said in a statement.
The minister paid tribute to the work being undertaken at a local school level "to ensure that we can reopen our schools at the end of the month".
She said: "We are fully focused on ensuring our children have a safe environment to return to and the work you are doing is critical to achieving that goal."
Schools have now received grant funding to assist with the logistical arrangements in advance of school reopening, and additional teaching resources have also been sanctioned.
To date almost €160 million has been issued to schools in direct funding to cover minor works, employing support to assist with reopening, cleaning costs and PPE costs.
This does not include the cost of the additional teaching posts sanctioned.
Among the practical supports being provided to schools are 250,000 age-appropriate posters on handwashing, face coverings and other hygiene measures. They are being sent to schools next week.
The department is also providing a series of induction training videos for all school staff at primary and post-primary level with detailed information for cleaning in schools, SNAs, school bus escorts and the new Covid-19 lead worker representative requirement.
The Government said its 'Roadmap for The Full Return to School' will be updated over the coming weeks as a live resource for schools and parents.
Earlier today, Sinn Féin and Labour expressed concerns over school transport plans.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport Darren O’Rourke called for additional buses to be put on to allow for more social distancing.
He also wants operators to be provided with additional money to ensure buses can be cleaned regularly and that PPE is available to keep drivers safe.
"Each year 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, rely on the School Transport Scheme, and this term will provide significant extra challenges due to Covid-19.
"Although capacity on public transport has been limited to 50% due to Covid-19, it may come as a surprise to many that no social distancing is planned for school buses when they return at the end of this month," said Mr O'Rourke.
Labour Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin described as "worrying" the announcement from the Department of Education that school buses will carry the same number of pupils as usual.
"Is this now official Department of Education policy that school buses are exempt from social distancing requirements?" he asked.
"Minister Foley needs to outline how children with underlying conditions who avail of school transport will be accommodated because the letter sent from her Department effectively endorses putting them on packed school buses."
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's education minister Peter Weir has been accused of failing A-level students after more than a third received lower than predicted grades.
