The reopening of indoor dining to be delayed by at least two weeks.
It will give time for a system to be worked out around how fully vaccinated people could be given access to indoor dining.
It's expected the reopening will be delayed until July 19th, with a full announcement expected this lunchtime.
Some anger was expressed at the Cabinet meeting this morning about how NPHET have handled the situation.
There's much work still to be done on how to develop a system that caters for only fully vaccinated people.
The full Cabinet met this morning to sign off on the proposals agreed by the Cabinet sub-committee late last night.
After some stark figures were given by NPHET about the danger posed by the Delta variant of coronavirus, the sub-committee agreed to delay the planned re-opening of indoor dining.
However, it's unclear whether the industry will fully reopen even then.
Based on advice from NPHET, ministers discussed a vaccine bonus and only allowing fully vaccinated people to dine indoors.
It was a recommendation they weren't expecting, and some ministers have admitted it will be a logistical nightmare for many businesses to track.
Delta variant warnings
NPHET also warned of a potential large spike in cases and increased deaths due to the Delta variant - however, ministers say this was a worst-case scenario forecast.
The senior ministers also accepted NIAC advice to allow under 40s to be given the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
However, for the first time, those age groups will have a choice of what vaccine they get.
They'll be able to opt for the mRNA options (Pfizer or Moderna) instead, subject to supply issues.
It essentially means many people could be vaccinated sooner, and those not comfortable with the small clotting risks associated with the Astra or J&J vaccines can wait a little longer for an alternative.
Speaking after the late-night committee meeting, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: "We will still continue to open up on a phased basis - it's just how we do it.
"It was new advice... it was not quite expected.
"[Health officials] are concerned even with the levels of vaccinations we have the transmissibility of this disease will still cause problems, right through the summer."
He said a "pause" is needed to work through the logistics of the proposals, including talks with the hospitality sector.
Industry groups have expressed frustration over the possibility of a delay to indoor dining.
However, a number of Irish scientists and doctors have voiced their support for a more cautious approach to reopening.
