Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he "does not see a major reopening of the economy" on 5 March and that the Government would take a "conservative and cautious" approach to reducing restrictions.
The Government confirmed on Tuesday that the current Level 5 restrictions would be extended until 5 March with a view to crushing the numbers of those contracting the disease and in turn the numbers needing hospitalisation and intensive care.
Mr Martin said the prolonged suppression of the virus would see primary schools reopened on phased basis and construction reopening once cases dropped below 1,000 a day.
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, Mr Martin said it is hoped that special schools could reopen first, but said the hospitality sector could not