The Government looks set to scrap the requirement for masks to be worn in schools, public offices and on public transport. But mask-wearing will remain compulsory in in healthcare settings. The recommendation was made by NPHET which, according to reports, will soon be stood down in its present form.

Prior to the announcement, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions had called for the mask requirement to remain in place for a little longer.

Fórsa had also said that the mask requirement for most school students should have remained in place for the rest of the term because of the stubborn prevalence of Covid infections.

The union’s head of education, Andy Pike, said: “In respect of SNAs it is essential that they continue to use appropriate masks as so many of them continue to work with unvaccinated students.”