Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said the Government is on track to ease restrictions on 4 May and that he is confident over 80% of people will have been offered a vaccine by June.
Minister Varadkar said all decisions are based on four elements: the vaccines, the variants, virus case numbers, and the how hospitals are coping.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said the Government will consider allowing more outdoor activity and a return to Phase 3 restrictions in May, with retail and personal services such as hairdressing and barbers gradually reopening during the month.
At the end of April the Government intends to develop a plan for June and July, which he said is "looking good" but depends on the four deciding factors.