Tànaiste Leo Varadkar has said that the potential reopening of gyms in Ireland will be on the agenda during next week's Cabinet meeting.
Speaking on Instagram this afternoon, the Fine Gael leader said that "we'll be able to set out what can open in May and give some indication as to whether things will open in June or July."
At present, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are all closed due to Level 5 restrictions but Vardakar said that "if anyone's going to make the case to Cabinet for that (reopening of gyms), it's going to be me."
During an address on Instagram, the Tànaiste said: "Everyone's asking about gyms, I hear you. I miss the gym, big time. I'm sick to death of running around the park, I'm bored of it.
"I'd love to get back to the gym but again, no decision has been made on that. What will happen now is that Cabinet will meet next week - probably around Thursday or Friday - and with the advice from Nphet, we'll be able to set out what can open in May and give some indication as to what will open in June or July.
"I know gyms are opening in England and Northern Ireland, if they haven't already, and people are keen to get back to them. I guarantee you that if anyone's going to make the case to Cabinet for that (gyms reopening), it's going to be me! But of course, there are other things that are important too and we'll be very keen as well to allow people to return to religious services and to get the barbers and beauty salons opened...and all the things that people are mentioning."
The Tànaiste was speaking from Dublin Castle as he presented a bill that's aimed at eliminating the widespread practice of ticket touting.
The legislation is expected to ban the above face-value resale of tickets to live events, matches, and concerts for either designated events or venues.
On this note, Varadkar was also asked about the likelihood of music gigs and festivals returning this summer.
During the Q&A, the Tànaiste fielded a question from a viewer and said: "'Is Longitude going ahead?' I really don't know. I guess everyone wants to know that, what events can go ahead? It is pretty clear that outdoor events are a lot safer than indoor ones but I think it's too soon to speculate about any of that.
"However, I'm really excited to see what's happening around Europe where they are trying out some live events - the concert in Barcelona being one, I'm really interested to see the data from that - and Leinster Rugby have some really interesting plans to try out a similar trial for a match in Ireland and we're going to take a look at that," he said.
Like the majority of last year's music festivals, Longitude was cancelled but festival organisers are hopeful that the 2021 edition can take place.
In November, they announced a line-up featuring Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, A$Ap Rocky, Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat.
Also announced for the bill are Lil Uzi Vert, Dababy, Aj Tracey, Aitch, Playboi Carti, Trippie Redd, Ski Mask The Slump God, Mabel, Lil Tjay, Nle Choppa, Polo G, Jack Harlow, Iann Dior, Jay1, Ksi, Rod Wave, Ivorian Doll, and Offica.
Get the latest news to your inbox by signing up to our free newsletter
