There has been speculation that the government is planning a phased reopening of schools beginning on 1 March.

It has been reported that Leaving Cert students and those with additional needs will be the first to return.

However, sources say talks with unions to finalise the agreement are still ongoing, and nothing has been agreed just yet.

So what is likely to happen?

Daniel McConnell, political editor of the Irish Examiner, and Labour Party education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin joined us to discuss this.