Commenting as Education Minister Michelle McIlveen confirms that when schools in Northern Ireland return after the Easter break pupils will no longer have to wear masks, Dr Graham Gault, director of school leaders’ union NAHT(NI), said:

"No-one wants to see our children or staff wearing masks in school for longer than is necessary, but we must remember that some schools are still dealing with very high levels of Covid and very high levels of pupil and staff absence.

"Schools will continue to work within the guidance to make sure that the actions they are taking are in line with public health advice, but it is also vital that the government continues to work closely with the profession to ensure that clear and consistent messages are being given.

"Likewise, the government has a duty to be clear with parents that the pandemic is still very much impacting upon the running of schools and will continue to affect children and young people as schools continue to experience high levels of transmission."