The Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe says he is hopeful the Government can go ahead with the first stage of easing coronavirus restrictions next week.

Phase one is due to start on Monday - and would see the likes of construction sites, garden centres and DIY stores re-opening.

People would also be able to meet up outdoors in groups of four and play some sports like tennis and golf.

The Cabinet is meeting to discuss the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

Minister Donohoe told Newstalk Breakfast there are encouraging signs the country could start to re-open next week.

And he acknowledged that some people going to work could find difficulty if their children are not back in school.

"What we are looking to do is to get the balance right between re-opening our economy on one hand, and then - in additional to that - reducing the spread of the disease now and minimising the risk of it surging back again.

"And I think it's very fair to say that all of us in Government are really aware of what the consequences would be of our schools not being able to re-open in a way that is safe for all.

"We understand what that means for families, for children  - not to mention for our broader economy.

"But these are demanding choices... and that's why I think the best thing to do is to make them stage by stage and explain to the country why we're making each choice as we move through it".

"There are some indicators available to us now that do show that the efforts of our country have been working and we are hopeful that we can translate that into implementing the roadmap that was published there a few weeks ago".