Taoiseach Micheal Martin has suggested that indoor pubs will be allowed to reopen towards the end of July.
Outdoor pubs have been a June 7 reopening date, but indoor dining is seen as high-risk and will not be considered until later in the summer.
Asked specifically when people might be able to enjoy a pint indoors, Mr Martin told Newstalk it "may be possible" towards the end of July.
However, he said: “It’s a possibility. I do not want to be nailing my colours to the mast [but] by that time there will be a significant number of vaccinations.”
He reiterated that outdoors was safer and NPHET are cautious about activity indoors.
Mr Martin said it was "made very clear to us" by NPHET that for May and June, indoor dining would be considered high risk.
The Taoiseach announced on Thursday that you will officially be able to get a pint from a pub on June 7 as outdoor dining returns.
Thankfully so-called wet pubs will not be limited to 15 customers when they reopen at the same time as other outdoor hospitality.
And the dreaded €9 meal will also no longer be in place. However, pubs will continue to operate with table service only. At present, opening hours are still to be decided.
