A study commissioned by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) shows that the majority of teachers and parents support mask-wearing by older primary school children.
Students, meanwhile, are split evenly on the issue.
The requirement for school-goers aged nine to twelve to wear masks that came in last November will be removed today. Secondary school students will also be afforded to wear masks if they wish.
While cases have increased with the arrival of Omicron in Ireland, there has been lower than expected hospitalisations. This has resulted in the government easing practically all restrictions that were put in place since March 2020.
According to the Irish Times, three primary schools were surveyed for the study. One urban, one suburban and one rural. Around 38% of nine to twelve students were happy to continue wearing masks. A further 7% were in favour in order to protect others. 46% in total wanted to stop wearing masks.
Teachers also spoke on how well students have adapted to the change in school life with the introduction of masks, noting how it makes the children feel included and that they are playing their part.
Though the majority of parents feel children should be wearing masks at school, that number has fallen from 65% to 56% by mid-February.
