Thread by @gavreilly

🚨⚠️ NEW: Govt advice on re-opening schools in September says primary pupils are likely to return for only one day per week, and secondary pupils for only two days per week, if 2m social distancing remains in place

Students to engage in 'blended learning' from home on other days

If distancing was reduced to 1m, "almost all" primary pupils would attend school 2.5 days per week - some secondary year groups would be "near full-time" but other year groups would attend school 50% of the time

The Govt's document says Ireland is particularly caught by this problem because of its population profile, with a specific peak of kids who are just on cusp of secondary.

Not feasible to provide pre-fab extra space on cost grounds, nor is there teacher supply to split classes

Joe McHugh tells us he believes "the full re-opening" of schools in September is "the only option"

This is all coming as part of a press conference where Govt is announcing details of the "July" summer provision scheme, with govt hoping to offer summer-camp-style schemes in participant schools

McHugh asked if his aspiration of "full re-opening" means dispensing with social distancing entirely.

"The 1m very clearly looks at the mathematical reality… I certainly do not want to envisage a situation where we continue with this process of leaving children behind…"

"I have to weigh up as minister the risk of a gap opening up in education, the risk associated with the failure to provide an education… the balance to that is to ensure that it's safe for schools staff, teaching staff, and for students…"

Says risk-based assessment is underway

McHugh asked again if that means dispensing with distancing. "We have to have an honest conversation… The optimal objective is to have everybody back in class, but that has to be done in a safe way."

Simon Harris says 2m is likely to remain the public health advice, but "what we have to show as a country… is recognise that there are lots and lots of needs…"

Says HPSC is there to help govt departments and agencies on sector-specific guidance

Harris hints that the model for hospitality - which is being considered for a relaxation of 2m to 1m - is one that may be pursued. Guidance is being worked on for the sector.

Harris underlines that this is less of a concern if the virus' prevalence continues to weaken

I ask McHugh about the childcare implications of 'blended learning' for 2.5 to 4 days a week from home. His reply is essentially that one day a week in the classroom is better than open-ended remote learning… but "optimal objective is to get all children back in the classroom"

I point out there are 900k kids in primary and secondary, and this means hundreds of thousands staying home, needing childcare and supervision.

He says "specific guidance for primary and post-primary" is being sought from health authorities.

He later says a decision on the application of social distancing in schools will be made this month, and: "If we only bring back 10-20% of students in August we could end up doing more damage in terms of regression… I don't believe it's a runner"