There is growing expectation that the re-opening of the hospitality sector will not begin until after Easter at the very earliest.
Representatives from the hospitality sector met a number of Government ministers yesterday and were left with the sense that the easing of restrictions will take longer than previously expected.
The current restrictions are due to be reviewed on 30 January and a sector-specific approach to reopening the economy is now favoured with the initial focus on construction followed by non-essential retail.
The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and Minister for Enterprise, Leo Varadkar, and Minister for Tourism, Catherine Martin, met with representatives from the hospitality and tourism sectors yesterday.