Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has told a private Fine Gael meeting that restaurants and pubs will not be treated differently when they get the green light to reopen.
It’s understood that Cabinet will examine a proposal to allow outdoor hospitality reopen at the end of May.
At Wednesday evening's parliamentary party meeting, Mr Varadkar said when hospitality is allowed to reopen outdoors, it will be for both pubs and restaurants.
Sources told the Irish Mirror that Mr Varadkar said the Government is “getting away” from the €9 substantial meal and a differentiation between “wet” pubs and pubs that serve food.
He said this will also apply to both pubs and restaurants when they are allowed to have customers indoors and that hospitality will “be treated equally”.
Leo Varadkar also said Fine Gael have asked for a plan by the end of May for a phased return to international travel.
He added that the idea of “shopping by appointment” may be considered if a decision is made to not reopen non-essential retail at once.
He said other restrictions which could be eased include estate agents being able to show houses to potential buyers and also around driving tests.
