As 54 schools across the country have identified positive Covid-19 cases since reopening, principals are calling for out of hours support, if they learn of a case of the virus in their school outside of working hours.

Public health officials are asking schools to provide an out-of-hours contact number for principals, in case a member of staff or a student tests positive.

President of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals Alan Mongey  - who's principal of Colaiste Baile Chláir in Claregalway, says he wants an out-of-hours number for the Department of Health in return.