Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said the current Covid restrictions on the hospitality sector could be lifted sooner than expected.
The news comes after the National Public Health Emergency Team's meeting on Thursday to discuss the current data on Covid-19 and the possible easing of measures.
The Government has remained optimistic in recent days over Ireland's current Covid situation, with the Taoiseach saying restrictions were due to remain until the end of January, but believes this could change.