Special classes reopened their doors to students this morning, in the second step of what is being seen as the gradual return of primary and secondary education to the classrooms.
On 11 February special schools across the country welcomed pupils back and today it is the return of special classes in mainstream schools.
This represents over 1,200 classes at primary level and over 7,500 pupils, along with 515 special classes in secondary school, comprising more than 2,800 students.
Over 5,500 teachers and Special Needs Assistants provide education and support to these students. St Canice's National School in Kilkenny city was one of the schools that saw teachers and assistants delighted to see their young charges back in the classrooms today,