Here’s hoping.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that pints indoors “may be possible” towards the end of July.
Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk on Friday, the Taoiseach said that indoor hospitality is off the cards in May and June, but there is the “possibility” of a reopening in July.
“It depends. The indoor pint, certainly not in May or June,” he said.
“It may be possible towards the end of July, and I think it’s within that timeframe. It’s a possibility.
“I don’t want to be nailing my colours to the mast on that, but, by then we will have very significant numbers of people vaccinated.”
It comes as the government is set to examine a number of higher-risk activities at the end of June for a reopening “later in the year”.
The industries expected to be considered include the full reopening of indoor hospitality, including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and casinos, as well as indoor sports and exercise classes.
The government will also begin to look at the reintroduction of mass gatherings and events with spectators, both indoors and outdoors, and international travel.
Government officials will also prepare to look at a number of other sectors in “the coming months”, such as a plan for an enhanced “higher and further education on-campus experience for the new academic year” and the reopening of cinemas and theatres.
While there is no rigid timeline yet, cinemas could see their doors reopen in June “subject to public health advice”.
The proposals are set to plan for the safe reopening of these activities and events “when the public health situation allows”.
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