There are concerns primary school students may be sent home due to a shortage of substitute teachers.
The Irish Primary Principals Network says absenteeism due to Covid-19 is putting substitutes in high demand.
"Every so often a class teacher is out, and I'm thrown into the class teacher's job," says Daithi Ryder who is a special education teacher in Cloonliffen National School in county Mayo.
"Leaving those behind to sink or swim in their own classroom. Getting a substitute is the holy grail these days - it's impossible to get substitutes"
The Dept. of Education has directed schools not to use Special Education Teachers as subs if a teacher is absent and to instead reach out to their local substitute panel.
The Irish Principals Network says the shortage of subs could mean some schools will have no other option but to send pupils home.
