Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said he expects Ireland to be living with coronavirus restrictions until late 2021 or early 2022.
Speaking on Friday afternoon the Fianna Fail leader said that "we are looking at the end of 2021 before we see light at the end of the tunnel in terms of normality returning."
The next review of restrictions is to take place on September 13 when large gatherings and 'wet pubs' will be discussed.
The Taoiseach said they understand the disappointment of pub owners and hope to have a plan in place soon.
Mr Martin said: "We understand the enormous disappointment for publicans across the country, the impact on their own well-being, their financial well-being and their emotional and mental well-being…it’s been very difficult for them."
But even when pubs do open it won't be a return of the traditional night out with places to be all seated an social distancing still applying.
The Taoiseach stressed "personal responsibility" will be important and they don't want to see "pub crawls" anytime soon.
The €9 meal is expected to be abolished only when wet pubs finally reopen in the coming months.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said he cannot give a concrete date but hopes to open pubs soon.
Mr Varadkar said: "It is about getting the balance right between public health and also allowing people to get on with their lives and livelihoods and that's what living with the virus entails.
"We are working with NPHET and with the Department of Health on putting in place guidelines that will allow that to be possible but we always need to bear in mind of course the behaviour of the disease itself."
