Secondary schools look set to reopen to 2,800 special needs students from February 22nd.
It's after unions representing teachers and SNAs said they will back the move.
The return will coincide with the resumption of in-class learning for children with special needs in mainstream primary schools.
The Teachers Union of Ireland said it will also back the return of Leaving Cert students "from some point in the same week, subject to public health advice."
Meanwhile special schools are due to reopen for 8,000 children with special needs from tomorrow.
