LEO VARADKAR has refused to rule out the possibility of Ireland going back into lockdown after the New year.
The Tánaiste confirmed on Wednesday morning that the Government is keeping an eye on Covid-19 statistics as we head into the festive period, admitting that it was "likely" case numbers will rise as people begin mixing again.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Varadkar said: "We have never ruled out the possibility that we would need to reintroduce restrictions for a short period in January.
"That'll have to be decided at the time, depending on what the numbers look like."
Varadkar said that Tuesday "was a day of hope" as the first Covid-19 vaccines on the island of Ireland were given out in Northern Ireland.
He did however admit that there was a degree of vaccine hesitancy among certain sections of the public, particularly following the news that two NHS staff members suffered anaphylactic reactions after receiving the vaccine yesterday.
The Tánaiste insisted though that Ireland's vaccination strategy will be focusing on strong communication and focuses on getting the facts across to people.
"We need to stick to the facts," he said.
"Vaccines are safe and effective, they have eliminated polio and smallpox from Ireland. They have reduced TB, meningitis, hepatitis, diphtheria."
Varadkar went on to say that while he hopes everyone will take the vaccine, it will not be a mandatory requirement and people were free to refuse it if they wish.
He also estimated that if 70% of the country received the vaccine, then herd immunity from Covid-19 would be achieved.
