The Northern Ireland Executive is to meet today to agree an indicative timeline for the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Health Minister Robin Swann said the scales are tipping in favour of accelerating the process. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said it is important to give people something to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead.
On Monday, some restrictions were eased to allow outdoor retailers such as garden centres to reopen and all schools in Northern Ireland fully reopened.
With Northern Ireland having marked one million Covid-19 vaccines by last weekend and with other key health and scientific indicators going in the right direction, ministers have made clear they are now in a position where indicative dates