The Taoiseach has said Ireland's vaccine rollout will "accelerate significantly" over the weeks ahead.

People aged between 50 and 59 will be able to register for their Covid-19 vaccine from next week through the HSE's online registration system. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the news on Thursday evening during his nation address, stating: "You have responded extremely positively to the launch of the online portal. "I'm pleased to confirm that over the course of next week, the portal will open for registration to all those aged 50 to 59." The Taoiseach called the Covid-19 vaccines "transformative" and said we are already seeing their impact in Ireland. He explained: "Already, almost all of our most vulnerable are now protected and we can already see that the rates of death, serious illness, hospital admissions and infections in people who have been vaccinated have collapsed. "All across the country, there are very few families that have not witnessed at first hand the sense of relief and sheer joy of a loved one receiving their vaccine. That will continue and accelerate significantly over the weeks ahead." The Taoiseach also said that as the rollout progresses, "the list of options available to us continues to grow". To register online for your vaccine, you will need a mobile phone number, an email address, your PPS number and your Eircode. If you do not have these things, you are advised to call the Covid-19 helpline to register by phone instead. After you register for the vaccine, the HSE will send you text messages with your vaccination appointment details three to seven days before it is due to take place. For more information on how to register for a Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland using the new portal, check out JOE's handy guide here. Also during his address, the Taoiseach announced a number of changes to the current public health restrictions in place in Ireland. Inter-county travel, hairdressers and barbers, click and collect from retail, and outdoor adult sports training in pods of a maximum of 15 people will return from 10 May. For a full breakdown of what you can expect next month as restrictions ease further, see here.