Minister for Education Norma Foley has told the Dáil that at this point in time, the National Public Health Emergency Team has not recommended that primary school children wear face coverings.
She told the Social Democrats education spokesperson Gary Gannon that children are free to wear one if they choose but it is not a requirement.
Ms Foley said that the Department will always follow public health advice, but at this point in time NPHET "have not recommended mask wearing for primary school children".
During a series of questions in the Dáil this afternoon on the reopening of schools and the Leaving Certificate, Ms Foley was also asked about mock exams for Leaving Certificate students.