Tanaiste Leo Varadkar is hopeful that Ireland will be back to near normality by the summer of next year.
Speaking to the Laois Chamber of Commerce members on a zoom meeting on Tuesday, the Fine Gael leader also said he is hopeful Electric Picnic will get the green light in 2021.
Laois Today report that Varadkar told the group that a vaccine rollout could begin in January or early February.
Mr Varadkar said: "Hopefully by the middle of 2021 we will be back to a level of normality in terms of going on holidays, matches, events."
He added: "Hopefully Electric Picnic will happen in 2021 and a lot of people will be making it to Stradbally."
Electric Picnic, like every other event in the latter half of 2020, was cancelled but many are planning a return in 2021.
Longitude Festival, which takes place in Dublin's Marlay Park, announced their line-up last week ahead of a July return.
With the UK today announcing their vaccine rollout will begin next week, there is increased hope amongst the Irish public that 2021 will be a much different year.
Mr Varadkar added: "2021 will be the year of recovery. The scene is set for a rapid recovery … and we need to be prepared for that conference: "
