One of the country's leading immunologists says schools here should be re-opened next month for at least some students.
Under the government's roadmap of easing restrictions, children and teenagers are not due back to school until September.
But Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Immunology at Trinity, Luke O'Neil says there's a strong argument for this to happen sooner.
"I'm firmly of the view we should open the schools for the younger age groups, because the evidence that's out there would suggest they get damaged most by not being in school.
"Secondly and very importunely it's the vulnerable you want to worry about, and they need to be looked after as well.
"So I think there's a definite case to be made for at least the next three or four weeks."
