The Cabinet will meet this morning to consider a proposal to develop a system that would permit only those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to eat and drink inside bars and restaurants.
This would mean that the reopening of indoor hospitality, planned for next Monday, would be delayed for several weeks to allow time for the system to be established.
The Cabinet COVID Committee met until well after 1 o'clock this morning as it sought to formulate a recommendation for this morning's meeting of Government.
If there is agreement at Cabinet today, the Government will aim to have a plan ready by mid-July that would lay the foundations for the return of indoor hospitality.