The Taoiseach has warned that Ireland could be heading for further restrictions in January, admitting he's "concerned" at rising case numbers across the country.
Micheal Martin urged people to take "personal responsibility" for their actions amid a spike in infections, but insisted that easing restrictions for Christmas was "the right thing to do."
Yesterday, Ireland reported 429 cases of Covid-19, prompting a stern warning from Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.
In an interview with RTE's Morning Ireland today, Mr Martin said Ireland "could well be looking at some further restrictions in January."
He added: "The most effective response to this is our personal behaviour", but argued that spiralling case numbers across Europe mean Ireland is not an outlier when it comes to the virus.
The Taoiseach also said the "optimal period" when it comes to the roll-out of the vaccine won't come until May or June of next year.
He said the vaccine is a "complementary tool to the measures we're already using in terms of the restricions", adding that he is "concerned" about the current situation in Ireland.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine could be rolled out to vulnerable groups the week after it gets approval from the European Medicines Agency, which is to meet by December to decide whether to grant approval.
Asked when people will be able to avail of it, Mr Martin said: "If it's the 29th [of December], we would be hoping by the following week.
"There is a timeframe to this, and people need to be aware of this.
"The bigger volumes will start coming in March, April and May.
"Your optimal period is the May, June period."
In terms of the festive period, he urged people to take care and restrict their social contacts over the coming weeks.
"If we mind ourselves, we will mind those closest and dearest to us," he said.
