We are five weeks away from schools opening and one week away from taking our recess, yet there is still no certainty about how the schools are going to open. Children do not know whether they will be in with their school friends for an entire week or part of a week, parents do not know whether they will have to source childcare for part of the week, and schools, principals and teachers do not know what level of support and funding they will get. When will the Government publish a clear plan for schools to reopen at the end of August, including a funding structure for them?

I assure the Deputy that this is an absolute priority of the Government, that being, to get the schools reopened. A lot of work has been under way working with all of the stakeholders, which is important. I would prefer one comprehensive announcement on this as opposed to piecemeal announcements, responses and so on. This needs to be a comprehensive response. A lot of work is under way by the Department itself, the stakeholders in education and the Minister, and the Minister is very keen, obviously, to make a public comprehensive statement on this when everything has been put together, including funding and the arrangements that will apply.