COVID-19 restrictions are likely to remain in place in Ireland for at least another six months, according to Leo Varadkar.
The Tánaiste said that despite the impending arrival of a coronavirus vaccine, the impact of the jabs won't be felt until at least April.
He did however reveal that that there was a good chance that the first vaccines could be administered before the end of the year.
Ireland has secured a deal for over 14 million doses of coronavirus vaccines, but will only receive them once the European Medicines Agency (EMA) clinically approves them.
The EMA is expected the give the green light, so to speak, for the Pfizer vaccine as early as next week.
Meanwhile, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is meeting this morning to discuss the "troubling" rise in Covid-19 cases across the country.
More restrictions are due to be lifted on Friday, allowing people to travel freely domestically and for three households to meet in order to let families mix for Christmas.
But former HSE director-general Tony O'Brien believes this move should be reviewed.
"First of all I think the Chief Medical Officer [Dr Tony Holohan] was right to express those concerns, yesterday's figures were concerning," he said.
"I think it's therefore necessary for Government to consider whether the proposed opening for the Christmas period, and for the length of time intended over the Christmas period, is still a safe and reasonable thing to do.
"Measures do need to be taken to contain the growth in Covid spread," he added.
