Children will be excluded from school if they show up without a mask its reported on Wednesday.
Primary school class pupils from third class and upwards must now wear a face covering in the classroom, as part of public health measures.
Anyone nine years of age and upwards must wear a face covering, unless they have a medically-certified exemption.
In defending the measure, Minister for Education Norma Foley, says it's an expert recommendation for the benefit of children.
''We have actually seen a significant increase in terms of covid infection in the specific age cohort of nine to twelve. Therefore additional measures are required for the protection of nine to twelve year old's and this is one of those measures.''
Matt Melvin, Principal of St Etchens National School in Co. Westmeath, is surprised the measure is mandatory.
''I thought that a more optional approach would be allowed so that parents would buy into it.''
Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP committee, Dr Denis McCauley says it'll help to prevent infection and is a wise move.
''It'll help them to stay at school. When they come home, they won't either give covid or a normal respiratory infection to their families. It is not a game changer buit it is a sensible move.''
Parents are advised they can seek an exemption for a glasses-wearing child if they find their glasses are fogging up and disrupting their learning.
