It's looking "less and less likely" the reopening on July 5th will go ahead as planned, an Irish professor of immunovirology says.
Liam Fanning pointed to NPHET's previous caution when it comes to recommending easing coronavirus restrictions.
He was speaking as health officials and Governments prepare to make a final decision on the planned reopening next week.
Under current plans, indoor dining in pubs and restaurants would be allowed to resume from July 5th - along with a further easing of restrictions around household visits, weddings, organised gatherings and indoor fitness training.
However, concerns around the Delta variant of COVID-19 have led to several ministers sounding a more cautious note in recent days.
While senior ministers say they're still hopeful the reopening can go ahead, The Irish Times reports today that a delay to the full return of pubs and restaurants is now looking increasingly likely.
NPHET's due to make a recommendation to Government, ahead of a Cabinet decision later next week.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Liam Fanning - Professor of Immunovirology at UCC - said it does look like the return of indoor dining will be delayed.
He said: “We’ve seen how NPHET... have engaged, and it’s been a rather slow adaptation to events.
"There’s less reason to be optimistic about July 5th opening going ahead.
“I’m basing it more on what they’ve done in the past. I know past performance is no indication of future performance… but it’s a reasonable assessment."
He said there are genuine concerns around the infectiousness of the Delta strain of the virus, particularly indoors.
He said: "I think the ventilation and air movement indoors… there’s less certainty compared to outdoors.
"Because this abundance of caution has followed us throughout this pandemic, I think that’s where we’re heading with regards the July 5th date."
Vaccines
Professor Fanning said he has "long been an advocate" for vaccine bonuses for the fully vaccinated, as they're currently living under the same restrictions as unvaccinated groups.
He suggested indoor dining for fully vaccinated people would be something to consider, although fully acknowledged it would bring major challenges - including restaurant and pub owners having to police it.
Ministers and health officials have repeatedly suggested the country's in a race to vaccinate as many people as possible, amid expectations the Delta variant will soon become the dominant strain of the virus here.
Professor Fanning believes some of the Pfizer vaccine supply currently being used for 35-39 year olds should now go to any 60-69-year-olds still waiting for their second AstraZeneca shot.
He said: “I know giving to one means taking away from another, because we’re in a limited supply situation. But that has to be the focus: give it to the 60-69 year-olds.
“They’re definitely out on a limb at this stage - they need to be vaccinated immediately."
He also suggested young people should get at least one Pfizer dose "no matter what", even if proposals to use any leftover AstraZeneca vaccines in younger people get the green light.
