The main topic of conversation over the last few days has been Ireland’s impending reopening over the summer months.
Since the release of the Failte Ireland guidelines ahead of the Cabinet meeting on Friday, there has been much speculation around what the latest government announcement will bring.
Over the last few days, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar have been releasing insights into what can be expected in relation to travel, indoor dining, and a return of mass events.
International Travel
Most recently, Leo Varadkar issued an upbeat message saying people have "every reason to be hopeful for the summer" ahead of tomorrow’s announcement from Micheal Martin.
He went on to say that among the things we can expect from Friday’s update is a phased return of international travel and events - giving new life to many people’s summer plans.
"We are ahead of ourselves in terms of where we thought we would be in terms of hospitalisations and for that reason I think we can look forward to a very positive announcement on Friday in relation to the reopening of our society and our economy and the phased return to international travel and events."
Events
Taoiseach Micheal Martin echoed Varadkar’s hope around events in Ireland this summer saying that health officials will “see what's possible in July” but that they will continue to “take Nphet’s advice”.
Mr Martin also said that the reopening of major sectors will be "steady as she goes to the end of this month, it'll be steady in June. We'll see what's possible in July."
Today, Leo Varadkar suggested that up to 200 people could get back supporting their local GAA clubs during the summer as well.
The Tanáiste said he was “keen” to get back to the stands and he is “increasingly confident that that’s going to be possible over the summer.”
Indoor Dining
Earlier in the week Varadkar said he expects indoor dining to resume in July, and said he has hope that the restrictions on indoor dining at restaurants outside of hotels would be lifted “a couple of weeks” after outdoor services resume.
He went on to say he is “very hopeful that we can return to something close to normality by late summer.
“It has been an extremely long road for everyone – for workers, businesses, friends and family – but I think our patience will have been worth it."
Meanwhile, on the subject of indoor dining, Micheal Martin said: "We're not doing anything in a hurry here, let's be clear, we've been cautious and we've been attacked for being too cautious.
“We’re being criticised by different sectors across society for being too cautious but steady as it goes is how we're going to approach this.
"Indoor has been challenging with this virus from the get-go. So I think let's continue with the progress we're making, let's continue to make it. That gives everybody the best guarantee."
An announcement is expected from an Taoiseach Micheal Martin following the Cabinet meeting when all will be revealed for the summer ahead.
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