Cabinet Ministers met this morning to discuss COVID as the country prepares to exit Level Five.
At the moment no final decision has been made - but it looks as though most retail will be allowed to open next week as the country enters a version of level three.
Restaurants and pubs that serve food may have to wait a further week before being allowed to open.
And there is a reluctant acceptance around Leinster House that wet pubs will not open at all for the rest of the year.
NPHET meets tomorrow with Ministers waiting to hear further advice before making a call.
Independent Richard O'Donoghue now asking why, if Santa gets weeks and months notice from children about presents, hotels and restaurants can't get a few weeks notice about when they'll be able to re-open
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 24, 2020
Meanwhile, opposition parties have accused the Government of engaging in guesswork in regards to easing.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin insists they will look at all available information to inform its decision.
"The data will inform the next steps and that's an important point to make, some of it may be palatable some of it will be."
Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath said he’d like to see the economy reopen as much as possible.
"There are a lot of considerations to take into account I would like to see as much of the economy open as possible provided it can be done in a safe and responsible way."
Opposition Say A Reopening Timeline Is Needed For Businesses
Opposition parties and politicians argued there is not enough time being given to businesses to allow to reopen.
Independent Richard O'Donoghue says absolutely everyone needs time to prepare.
Independent Richard O'Donoghue now asking why, if Santa gets weeks and months notice from children about presents, hotels and restaurants can't get a few weeks notice about when they'll be able to re-open
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 24, 2020
"Even the children all round the world send a letter to Santa Claus in advance. Why?"
"Because it gives Santa Claus, Mrs Claus and the elves due time to have their presents ready for Christmas day."
"Even the children around the world know this," he said.
