Leo Varadkar says schools will be reopened by the end of August

The move carries a "low risk" according to the Taoiseach

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that both primary and secondary schools will be reopened by the end of August for the start of the academic year.

The Fine Gael leader was speaking at a press briefing earlier after today's Cabinet meeting and explained that initially every student might not be able to attend school every day for a full day.

He said: "We know that it's not a no-risk scenario but it is a low-risk scenario.

"We are learning from the experience of countries that have at least partially reopened schools already, and from the experience of countries that have had to reimpose restrictions."

Varadkar also announced that the country is "on track" in moving to Phase Two of the Government's Roadmap commencing on Monday, June 8.

Under Phase Two people will be allowed to make house visits to family and friends, small retail outlets will reopen and the 5km radius will be extended to 20km providing all goes well.

Of course this all depends on the latest data and a set confirmation on whether or not the country will move to Phase Two will be announced next Friday by the Taoiseach.

Varadkar added: "We are on track to move to Phase Two as intended on Monday 8 June.

"It takes at least two weeks to know if the actions to ease restrictions are having an effect, it will be next week before we can determine whether we can move to Phase Two."