Additional clarification from Department of Education and Skills on closure of schools, colleges and centres

In respect of further queries raised this afternoon by Management Bodies and Union Officials please see a clarification from the Department below:

Schools, Further Education Centres and Higher Education Institutions are closed for students from 6pm on Thursday March 12^th, and all staff are encouraged to work from home per the advice from Health officials.  However, Schools, Further Education Centres and Higher Education Institutions should be available to staff if they wish to access the facilities in order to provide online delivery, or essential services once this is in line with HSE advice on social distancing etc. Local Management should consider how to manage this access in order to comply with the advice of health officials.