There have been fresh calls for the Government to ease Covid isolation rules to allow staff to return to work sooner. It comes as workplaces are hit with a wave of Covid-related absences forcing some businesses to shut or curtail services.
At lunchtime on a Wednesday, Paul Lenehan should have been putting out his menu boards but instead he was busy posting notices on the windows and doors of 'Hartes of Kildare', the gastropub that he owns in Kildare Town.
The posters are advising customers that the restaurant is closed for lunch today and tomorrow due to the high level of Covid absences among staff.
Hartes is open for dinner but the juggling of rosters meant that the lunch service had to be suspended. "The staff have been very flexible," said Mr Lenehan. "Everyone who can work has been coming in but it is having an effect on the workers." "People are tired.