Eamon Ryan has given some insight into what we can expect from the next easing of restrictions as the government prepares to publish a full roadmap tomorrow.
Speaking outside the Dail, Transport Minister Ryan said that officials are now focusing on preparing a plan for the return of the Live entertainment industry.
They are also working on proposals for international travel, a return to the office and an end to the 11:30pm hospitality curfew.
“The key one is for the entertainment industry, I wasn’t at the meeting between the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Minister (Catherine) Martin, but I think they’ll want clarity on how it can come back”, he said.
Regarding plans for an end to the hospitality curfew, he said they’ll likely continue with a staggered approach, but the curfew will cease very soon.
“That sort of detail is still being worked out but by the time we get into October, most of the restrictions should start to ease, and I know the hospitality sector has made a good point, you know we don’t want everybody out there at the one time so having staggered opening and closing times makes sense," he said.
“The staggered approach will also work for the return to the office as well, so we don’t see any traffic jams coming back, so that sort of flexible approach in September with most restrictions lifted then in October is what we’re aiming for."
As for when employees can expect to be allowed back to office, Mr Ryan said: “I think the middle of September.
“The advice we have is from the HSE which says we will have 90% of the adult population vaccinated by the week starting the 13th September, so that week or early the following we will make some of the changes.
“It is flexible, it’ll start with getting people used to getting back to work and training and teamwork, so each office will be different so they can decide themselves how they come back, but we do need to get back that’s the main thing, for mental health, that level of socialising and contact is important.”
Finally, a return to widespread international travel will likely be on the cards over the coming months.
“We need to work out as well how we get international travel back to a more sustainable footing," he added.
