Children of healthcare workers could be among the first to return to creches.
Childcare facilities will be operating with fewer children when they re-open at the end of June.
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone says they haven’t decided yet how it will work, but they will be attentive to the needs of frontline workers.
Children with additional needs may also be among the first allowed back, as the Minister says they would benefit from returning to their creche.
Minister Zappone says they will issue guidelines following consultation with the sector.
"We have a list of essential workers that have been already having to go out of the home, particularly our healthcare workers.
"As society and businesses reopen there are more going out of the home in terms of that work, and we have to be attentive to that."
