Taoiseach Micheal Martin has predicted a "different Christmas" this year as Ireland continues to suppress Covid-19.
The Fianna Fail leader was speaking on Friday evening as lockdown appears to be working with the countries incidence rate falling by the day.
The Taoiseach is hopeful by December 1 that the country will have very low virus levels and can start to reopen the country.
However, any early exit looks unlikely despite the positive trends.
Mr Martin told RTE News: "My view is we went into this for the six week duration to get the numbers really down to a low level.
"So that we have maximum flexibility for December and beyond and get a long stretch out of bringing back the economy and reopening society.
"That is the overarching ambition of Level Five."
On the subject of Christmas, the Taoiseach said that while it will be different, it can still be an enjoyable one.
Mr Martin added: "We are conscious that people want a Christmas, it won't be the same as last year, it can't be because of a global pandemic.
"Nonetheless, I think that given we are all learning as we move along, individually, collectively and as families on how Covid impacts on people.
"I do believe we can create a window of opportunity for December so people can have a good Christmas albeit a different Christmas than usual."
