''We know it's not a no risk scenario, but it is a low risk scenario to open schools''.
Leo Varadkar has said he believes schools should reopen at the start of the new school year at the end of August or the begriming of September.
However he added that not every student may be able to return every day, for the full day.
He says the objective is to have schools operate as close to normal as possible.
The cabinet also heard proposals for a summer programme of education for children with special needs.
He said progress is being made in meeting the objective to open schools in time for the new school year:
''We have intended to open primary schools and secondary schools at the end of August at the normal time that the academic year begins.
''And they're making good progress towards that, particularly paying attention to new and emerging research about the level of risk attached to schools being open.
''As that research comes in we know it's not a no risk scenario, but it is a low risk scenario to open schools''.
