With the country still under strict lockdown hopes continue to emerge that further restrictions will be lifted in the coming weeks.
As the vaccine rollout continues the Government has signalled that the coming months will allow for more freedom for the Irish people.
However Covid cases have remained stable meaning that there is yet to be a clear indication as to when and what level lockdown will be lifted.
Both Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar have both this week spoken about the the prospect of easing Covid restrictions in the coming weeks.
Here's what you need to know:
Micheal Martin
Taoiseach Micheal Martin today confirmed that the Government will make a decision on ending lockdown and the roadmap for the summer next week.
Mr Martin and his Cabinet are due to make a final decision in the middle of next week, with hairdressers, gyms, pubs and non-essential retail all on the agenda.
And speaking to the Dail today, the Taoiseach reiterated the hopes of many for personal services.
"We hope to be able to signal positive news for hairdressers and barbers next week".
Mr Martin added that the purpose of restrictions was to bring the country to a place where it could reopen for everyone.
He reminded his fellow TDs that Government will be announcing a further easing of measures next week, which will depend on public health advice received from NPHET but also "our own thinking".
After a fiery exchange with Labour leader Alan Kelly, Mr Martin also confirmed that the target of having 80% of adults offered a vaccination by the end of June is still on track.
He also clarified that the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) will meet tomorrow to consider the latest advice from the European Medicines Agency.
Leo Varadkar
An address to the nation is expected where further "clarity" will be provided for next month, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said.
However Mr Varadkar has cast doubt on the lifting of the inter-county travel ban before June.
Mr Varadkar said: “To anyone who is booking fair enough but make sure that you look at the terms and conditions and that it’s refundable if inter-county travel is not possible.
“This virus keeps surprising us and June is a long way away and six weeks is a long time away in a pandemic.”
The Fine Gael leader said evidence in recent days has shown there is a decline in Covid-19 cases dropping and even increasing slightly.
He said: “We’re still in a space of phased reopening of retail, personal services and some more outdoor activities being allowed and the full opening of construction being phased over May, early June period.
“I don’t think it’ll be much more than that to be frank.”
He added that June is “too soon” for fully vaccinated Irish people to travel abroad for summer holidays.
Mr Varadkar echoed Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney who stated although the EU green passport will be up and running in June, Irish people will be urged not to book flights.
However, Mr Coveney said there is “good news on the horizon” for non-essential travel over the coming months.
