Teaching unions are raising concerns about the reopening of schools for leaving cert students next Monday.
They will have classes three days a week - but there will be no school for other students for the rest of January.
A local student says he is 'shocked' and 'conflicted' by yesterday's decision.
Adam Lambe, attends St. Macartan's in Monaghan and is a regional officer for Cavan/Monaghan on the ISSU, and he says there are a number of concerns for students.
He says that schools can be unsafe, with social distancing sometimes impossible, but also feels that it is easier to learn in the school environment especially in the lead up to exams.
Speaking after the announcement, Adam said he thinks the government have made the right decision to reduce the number of students going into classes:
