He said that while there are no "zero risk options" for reopening schools or any other environment, "international evidence shows us that child-to-child and child-to-adult transmission of Covid-19 in schools is uncommon".
Dr Glynn said he was "very aware" that parents were worried about the reopening of schools and the associated risk to their children. "In addition, our own experience to date in Ireland, and indeed that reported internationally, demonstrates that for the overwhelming majority of children who are diagnosed with Covid-19, their symptoms will be mild."
"The risk of Covid-19 has been carefully weighed against the very real harm that can be caused by sustained school closures." He said parents and guardians had a key role to play in keeping the level of Covid-19 in the community low and "starve this virus of opportunities to transmit".