Calls have been made in Clare for better leadership from both the Department of Education and the Government, as schools wait for the likely news that they won’t be re-opening next week.
Senior Government Ministers are meeting this afternoon to discuss whether schools should stay closed until the end of January on account of the rate of infection among school children.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has admitted he’s concerned about the significant increase in COVID cases among school children.
Latest figures show the incidence rate is 284 cases per 100 thousand among teenagers, and 142 per 100 thousand among 5 to 12 year olds.
Senior Ministers are meeting this afternoon to discuss whether schools should close for January because of the high rate of infection.
Head of Education at Forsa Trade Union, Andy Pike has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that the Government need to take a number of factors on board, rather than simply announcing that schools will stay shut.
Some school principals in Clare have called for greater leadership from the Government and the Department of Education on the matter.
Principal of Gaelscoil Mhíchil Chiosóg in Ennis, Donal O’hAiniféin says planning needs to get underway now for the future.
While the Principal of St Joseph’s National School Miltown Malbay has criticised the level of communication from Government, saying mixed messages from Ministers are leading to uncertainty.
Aidan Looney says teachers are ready to do whatever it takes to ensure students are educated.
Clare’s Sinn Féin TD has described the stark rise in COVID figures as inevitable, but deeply concerning.
Violet Ann Wynne believes the Government isn’t moving fast enough in terms of making a decision.
