Taoiseach Micheal Martin is expected to announce a major lifting of restrictions on Friday as pubs get ready to pull pints late into the night again.
Current Covid-19 restrictions are expected to be lifted “soon and as quickly as possible” but the Government is waiting on guidance from NPHET on whether pubs can return to normal trading hours or should they close at midnight.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and NPHET will meet on Thursday and Government Ministers are expecting Dr Holohan to give the green light to lift the remaining restrictions on a phased approach.