He also said that the plans to stop the sale of takeaway pints have been scrapped.
Stephen Donnelly has said that the “clear intention” remains to end Level 5 on 1 December, as planned.
The Minister for Health said that there is “no appetite” to not end Level 5 in two weeks time, stressing that the next 14 days are now absolutely crucial when it comes to deciding what will happen going forward.
However, he also said it isn’t a case that no matter what happens, Ireland will leave Level 5 in two weeks time, but that the government’s plans haven’t changed despite cases increasing.
Speaking on Drivetime, he said: “Over the next two weeks we’ve got to double down, because we want to open up as much as possible for December.”
Donnelly also said that potential plans to stop the sale of takeaway pints have been scrapped.
This comes after a number of videos were shared on social media of seemingly large crowds gathered outside pubs.
Donnelly did stress that the “core message” of Level 5 restrictions is still to stay at home, unless you are going to work, or for essential reasons.
Also speaking on Tuesday night, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said: “We have two weeks to continue in our efforts to drive down community transmission of this disease as much as possible.
“The lower the incidence the more flexibility the country will have in easing measures.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
