Parents are expressing their frustration new close contact rules will still force asymptomatic teenagers to restrict their movements, even if they're double vaccinated.
Only those who've had a booster and are asymtomatic can avoid self-isolation, under the change which takes effect from midnight.
12-15 year olds aren't currently eligible to get a booster vaccine.
Irish Times journalist and mother of seven, Jen Hogan, says many students will be forced to restrict their movements, missing more school as a result.
"They've missed more in-school learning than anyone else, and now they're facing into a situation where they could potentially be repeatedly isolating.
"In that cohort are this year's third years - the last time they had a full year of in-school learning they were in 6th class. And yet this year's third years are expected to sit the Junior Cert come June."
