A midlands father says he couldn't sleep last night with the news.
Teachers unions are defending the decision not to return to the classroom this week to teach children with special needs.
The Department of Education says the decision was down to "a lack of co-operation" from unions.
Further engagement between the Department and unions is expected over the coming days to try reach an agreement.
Andy Pike from the Forsa trade union says the teachers are extremely worried about going back to the classroom:
The Education Minister says every demand made by unions representing teachers and special needs assistants was met by her department.
Minister Norma Foley says lockdown is a traumatic experience for children with special needs, with many regressing while out of school.
She says her Department agreed to requests regarding childcare and pregnant staff members:
Declan Monaghan's 17 year-old daughter attends the Saplings school in Mullingar.
He says parents will be demoralised by the developments:
Meanwhile,
Opposition parties have questioned the Education Minister's ability to oversee the re-opening of schools.
The opposition reaction has been scathing to the botched plan to re-open special education.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald saying it was an attempt at policy by press release:
Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore saying Minister Norma Foley needs to re-open talks with unions:
With Labour's Aodhán Ó Ríordáin also urging the Taoiseach to intervene:
Micheál Martin rejected criticism branding some of it party politics, and saying the Minister had engaged with stakeholders to try to get this done:
Government figures are still targeting a full return to school from February 1st, but that plan looks to be in more difficulty than ever.
Midlands MEP Demands Stronger Disability Access Laws
Tullamore Lions Club Named All Ireland Club Of The Year
€366k In Compensation Paid Last Year For Pothole Damage To Motorists
Offaly Councillor Expresses Concern On 'Nearest School' Rule For Online Admission
High Court Hears Moving Enoch Burke To Castlerea Prison Was 'Lawful'
IFA Welcome Plan To Dredge Parts Of River Shannon In Offaly
Regional Enforcement Authority To Prevent Illegal Peat Extraction Still Being Formed
Dangers Of Black Ice Highlighted At Road Safety Conference
Westmeath County Council To Host Civic Reception For Athlone Town
Laois Man Looking For Love On First Dates Ireland Tonight
Irish Athletics Legend Ronnie Delany Dies Aged 91
Authorities In Offaly Approve Dredging Along Part Of River Shannon
Laois Man Nears Finish Line Natiowide Charity Walk
€40m Worth Of Irish Peat Exported In 2025
Gardaí Host Firearms Licensing Information Stand In Offaly Today
Irish Rail Services Reduced After Westmeath Graffiti Incident
Met Éireann Issues Nationwide Wind Warning For Entire Country
Midlands Lotto Player Lands €250k
Westmeath Students Aim For Gold At National Entrepreneur Finals
14 Counties See No New Bus Shelter Installations In 2025