Government Faces Further Dail Questions On Handling Of Covid-19 Pandemic

The Transport Minister has said it's likely people will be asked to wear face coverings from next week.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will make a decision on the issue on Friday.

This morning the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he's more confident now that the country will be able to start re-opening from next week.

In the Dáil this afternoon Transport Minister Shane Ross said part of that is likely to mean people will be asked to wear face coverings in public places.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will make a recommendation on Friday - but it's unlikely to be made mandatory.

The big flashpoint in the Dáil today was on the Leaving Cert.

Labour TD Aodhan O'Riordain says high achieving students in disadvantaged schools are going to be disproportionately punished by the Departments standardisation of results.

Minister Joe McHugh staunchly disputed that.