Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil that schools could reopen in February despite the country remaining under Level 5 restrictions.

In the meantime, families of children with special needs are seeking urgent supports while schools remain closed.

Dr Liz Kyte is a mother of two children with special needs, a six-year-old daughter with Down Syndrome and an 11-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum.

She spoke about the challenges of meeting her children's educational and care needs at home while schools are closed.

We were also joined by Fianna Fáil senator Fiona O'Loughlin and Reuban Murray, president of the Irish Secondary Students Union.