Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has warned international travel could lead to a second wave of Covid-19 here in Ireland.
The Fianna Fail Cabinet member warned the public that restrictions remain in place and health experts are pleading with people not to head abroad.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Mr Donnelly said: "There is a real concern that the public health experts have about a second wave if we see a big increase in foreign travel.
"What they are saying is the international situation was always quite volatile but has become increasingly volatile in the last few weeks."
The Minister praised airlines for their steps in safe-proofing travel but insisted there is no such thing as "zero risk".
Minister Donnelly added: "In fairness to airlines they are complying with EU regulations but what the public health officials would say is that there is no zero risk.
"You can minimise the threat in transit but you are still in an aeroplane potentially for a long period of time in a confined space.
"But the real concern is less of being in transit but it's about contracting the disease abroad and bringing it back."
Mr Donnelly acknowledged the issue of travel is “really serious for a lot of people” and a recommendation will be brought to Cabinet this coming Monday on the issue of airbridges.
But while a green list could be released next week it does not mean they would be activated straight away.
The National Public Health Emergency Team will be discussing the air travel issue at their meeting later today.
The Dublin Minister added that he expects primary schools will go back to near normal when they return in September.
He added: "In primary school they will(go back to normal classes), in secondary school I understand the issue is more complex.
"The guidelines have now been established but there is a lot of work to be done."
