Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said Ireland will see "great freedom" this summer if the public continues to abide by COVID health rules.
Speaking ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Mr Martin said by the end of next week, he expects "a million doses" of Covid vaccines to have been administered.
The Taoiseach also reaffirmed his belief that by the end of May, three million doses will have been given out.
In a video post that was shared on his personal Twitter account, Mr Martin said: "This Easter will be different and we won't be celebrating it in the usual way.
“And I do know how tiring the sacrifices during the pandemic have been.
“But I can assure you that your efforts have really worked.
“This pathway ahead will be steady and safe but it is one of genuine hope.”
He said people can travel within their home county from April 12 and said: “If we stick with the rules now and keep Covid numbers down, the vaccination programme offers the promise of greater freedom this summer.”
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