A number of schools remain closed due to damage as a result of Storm Éowyn - so will they be able to make up for lost tuition time?
Education Correspondent Emma O Kelly looks at the options available.
The Department of Education has advised schools to remain shut if they have any safety issues caused by the storm.
It reminded them of ESB advice to stay clear of fallen electricity wires, not to touch or approach them because they are live and extremely dangerous, and to report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.
It has advised that in carrying out any safety checks of buildings and facilities, school authorities should take into account the current and expected weather conditions, any damage that might have been caused to school buildings due to the storm, the restoration of power and the safety of the school community.
Will schools that have remained closed be able to make up for lost tuition time?
When it comes to unforeseen school closures, the safety of pupils and staff is the top priority.
In working to make up for lost tuition time schools are given significant flexibility but are expected to attempt to address the shortfall, subject to consensus at local level, and the measures they can put in place include cancelling planned days off during the February and Easter breaks.
The guidelines suggest that schools that have been forced to remain closed should prioritise tuition over non-tuition activities when they reopen.
Examples include reducing where possible the length of mock/house examinations and considering whether learning in the classroom should be prioritised over school tours and other extra-curricular activities.
In the case of second level schools, the guidelines say schools should ensure that all students working towards State examinations such as the Leaving Certificate attend all classes until the end of May.
The guidelines go on to state that "if necessary, the school authority should then identify any available discretionary days that the school had planned to close that could be made available to make up for time lost".
Where these measures are not considered adequate, the guidelines allow for contingency arrangements which include reducing the February mid-term break or the Easter holidays by up to three days.
However, these days should not include the Thursday and Friday immediately preceding the Easter weekend or the following week.
Schools are not permitted to make up for lost teaching hours through remote teaching or learning.
If a school decides to change its calendar it is obliged to give adequate notice of any changes to pupils/students, parents and staff.
The department has said it will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and will follow any advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group.
Minister for Education Helen McEntee has said she is conscious that everyone wants children and young people to be able to return to school as soon as it is safe to do so.
"While most schools have opened, there are still schools awaiting power restoration, and others that have been damaged by the storm", she said.
"I absolutely trust the professionalism of school principals and boards of management to make the right decisions on the ground.
"It will take some time to recover from the impact from this storm, and I and the Department of Education are here to help", the minister said.
