Tànaiste Leo Varadkar has said that he's encouraged by recent epidemiological information about Scotland's Delta wave.
The decision to halt Ireland's planned reopening of indoor hospitality on July 5 was largely due to fears that the new variant would lead to a sharp rise in cases, however, Varadkar said the recent suggestions is that Scotland's wave seems to have peaked.
The Tànaiste also added that the improved conditions appear to have been caused by "vaccines not the re-imposition of restrictions".
In a post that was shared online, the Fine Gael leader said: "This, of course, can change (disclaimer) But it is encouraging that Scotland’s Delta wave seems to have peaked due to vaccines not the re-imposition of restrictions. Outbreak in Israel seems under control too. Some good news of a Sunday."
In terms of today's agenda for the Cabinet, a specific date for the return of indoor dining and drinking should be agreed upon after the original date of July 5 was postponed.
Elsewhere, it's understood that rules governing the space that must be maintained between tables and a possible time limit for customers will also be agreed upon.
The Government is aiming to have legislation allowing vaccinated people to eat and drink inside bars and restaurants, passed by the Dáil and Seanad before the end of this week.
The new legislation will also allow those who have recently recovered from Covid-19 to enter bars and restaurants.
Those aged under 18 can also enter bars and restaurants if they are accompanied by vaccinated parents or another person who has received all their jabs.
Under the new system, proof of vaccination will be required and this can be done through downloading an app with a QR (quick response) code or in paper form.
Those who have had vaccines in the North, Britain and the US will be allowed entry into bars and restaurants if they have genuine proof of vaccination.
It is also believed that the new laws will allow antigen testing to be used in the hospitality sector later in the summer and during the autumn.
It is reported that 'the industry expects that there will be a time limit of one hour 45 minutes, along with a requirement to have tables one metre apart, in the guidelines that will be issued,' however, nothing official has been confirmed yet.
Speaking on Friday, Mr Varadkar said the industry has told the Government it wants to reopen as soon as possible and added it would be July 19 at the earliest and July 26, the latest, before the green light was given.
Mr Varadkar said he thinks fresh legislation could be enacted before July 26 and a date between July 19 and July 26 is likely.
He told the Irish Mirror: “We haven’t agreed to a date yet so the plan is to bring the proposal to Cabinet on Tuesday, that will enable us to open indoor hospitality in line with NPHET guidance.
“That obviously has to get through the Dail, has to get through the Seanad and we have to ask the President to sign it and we have to do some regulations too.
“Probably some day in between July 19 and 26 so July 19 at the earliest, July 26 at the latest.”
A formal decision on the issue is set to be announced on Monday afternoon.
