Laois' Eamon Dennehy said speculation as to whether schools would reopen is unhelpful.
As schools prepare to open their doors after the Christmas break secondary school teachers have expressed concern at the growing numbers of Covid cases.
Education Minister Norma Foley and public health officials are due to meet early next week before schools return on Thursday.
The president of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland and Laois' Eamon Dennehy said speculation as to whether schools would reopen is unhelpful: