The Taoiseach has told his Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party that he is worried about the Delta variant of Covid-19. Micheál Martin said the reopening of indoor hospitality had to be paused to develop a plan with the hospitality sector by 19 July.
Amid criticism from some of his party's TDs and Senator over the plan to allow only vaccinated people inside bars and restaurants, the Taoiseach said the Government was open minded on the issue and would look at testing, protocols and vaccinations.
Mr Martin said the decision to pause the reopening was a blow to everyone and he does not want to keep the sector closed. Latest coronavirus stories Separately, the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader told his party that the matter would be reassessed before