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12th Jul 2021

Cabinet to sign off on indoor dining plan for vaccinated people

Sarah McKenna Barry

The plan will allow 180,000 employees to return to work.

The government is expected to sign off on the plan that would allow indoor hospitality to resume for people who are fully vaccinated, and for people who have recovered from Covid-19.

The reopening of pubs and restaurants for this group is expected to take place between July 19 and 26.

The European Union digital cert – which provides proof of inoculation – will be used to allow entry into indoor hospitality once it’s permitted.

Under the new plan, children will be allowed to accompany their vaccinated parents in pubs and restaurants.

The cabinet will discuss the plan today, but a final decision must be made prior to the Dáil’s summer recess at the end of the week.

Once the legislation permitting indoor hospitality passes all stages of the Oireachtas, President Michael D Higgins will sign it into law. This is expected to take place before the end of the week.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has welcomed the news that the government will sign off on the indoor hospitality plan shortly.

The organisation’s chief executive Adrian Cummins said: “We are in touching distance of reopening indoor hospitality which will allow for 180,000 employees return to work.

“It’s imperative we build on the progress to date over the weeks ahead. The Government must now roll out a national information campaign for consumers and hospitality businesses.”