The Tanaiste has insisted Ireland can "bounce back" from the worst economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic – and quickly.
But Leo Varadkar tonight dealt another hammer blow to those hoping for an optimistic update on Ireland's reopening, warning that the Government will be "cautious" about lifting lockdown.
The Fine Gael leader said he has not been asked to speak to gardai yet over his leaking of a confidential document, despite an ongoing investigation into his conduct by the guards.
"The gardai haven't asked to speak to me about it, but through my solicitors I've contacted them, and said that I'm willing to be interviewed, or willing to give a statement.
"I've committed no offence – my legal team are adamant – but obviously I'm willing to speak to them and make a statement if they wish."
Ireland, Mr Varadkar said, can "bounce back quickly" from Covid-19. He compared the pandemic-inspired economic downturn to the financial crash a decade ago.
But he said that the resumption of non-essential business will have to be delayed if Ireland is to get its schools open – and keep them open.
"The main thing we want back next, of course, are Leaving Certs – for obvious reasons," he said.
"And then we'd be thinking about junior infants and senior infants, and a return on a phased basis across March and into April. And we think that's achievable without cases going up again.
"But the downside of that, unfortunately, is that it does mean that other reopenings – for example, reopenings of businesses – really can't be done until we have the schools back.
"Schools is the priority."
He also hinted that the Junior Cert may not go ahead this year, admitting that it can't take place at the same time as the Leaving Cert after trade unions said they didn't think it could be run.
While the Tanaiste refused to confirm the cancellation of the Junior Cert, he said: "We do know that we can't hold the Junior Cert and the Leaving Cert at the same time, because we will need the space, and more space than we'd usually use for Leaving Cert.
"I know people need answers to these questions soon."
