Time limits on tables for indoor dining are set to be scrapped once indoor hospitality reopens next week.
It follows a meeting between hospitality sector representatives and the Government this evening.
They've also agreed to an increased focus on ventilation, including the use of CO2 monitors.
Pubs and restaurants will have to close at 11:30pm, while work is underway on an app to scan Digital COVID Certs for access.
NEW: After discussions today the time limits on indoor dining have been scrapped.
- 11.30pm will remain the closing times.
- CO2 monitors will be used in restaurants.
- Unvaccinated children can accompany adults as long as their table is 2m away from others— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) July 20, 2021
Indoor dining - for restaurants, pubs and cafés - is set to reopen to those who've been fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19.
Unvaccinated children will be able to accompany vaccinated adults, as long as their table is two metres away from others.
The formal guidelines will go to Cabinet for approval tomorrow.
The planned reopening - expected to happen from next Monday - come despite increasing COVID-19 incidence rates across Ireland.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the measures must be robust to ensure a safe reopening.
He said: "If the protocol is implemented, it gives us - we believe - the best chance of reducing the risk.
"Let's give ourselves every chance of reopening indoor dining before we comment on what might happen if we face a higher level of risk with it."
