The Cabinet is set to make its final decision on reopening the country later today.

Nightclubs will be allowed to open, subject to the use of Digital Covid Certificates, under the Government’s new reopening plan. However, Friday 22 October will no longer be a return to normality as the Cabinet is set to accept advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) that it is too soon to lift all remaining Covid restrictions. NPHET has made this decision due to the growing number of cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks. The Government will consider NPHET's advice and make their final decision regarding the nightclub industry at a meeting later today - but the extended use of Digital Covid Certificates looks certain. It is expected that the certificates will be needed upon entrance to nightclubs, and venues will have to follow strict protocols. People may also be encouraged to use antigen tests. The government will engage with the nightclub industry to ensure a safe reopening. However, it is unclear when exactly they will be permitted to open. Speaking to The Irish Mirror, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said: “What I’m happy to say to you is the advice from NPHET is we can continue, they would advise, continuing with the reopening of society but doing so in a way that’s very cognisant of the disease - widespread use of the Covid pass, enforcement and use of the Covid pass. "Essentially NPHET is saying yes to nightclubs but with conditions around Covid passes and social restrictions." Meanwhile, NPHET has advised that restrictions on all hospitality remain in place for several months. This means continued used of mask wearing, social distancing and Covid certificates will remain in restaurants and bars. Restrictions on hospitality are likely to remain in place until at least February next year.