Current Restrictions Likely To Remain For At Least Another Two Weeks

The national lockdown is expected to be extended for another two weeks for the vast majority of people.

At today's cabinet meeting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Health Minister Simon Harris set out the current state of play.

They said the medical evidence is not there at the moment to allow the easing of restrictions next week.

Ministers Charlie Flanagan and Shane Ross were also urging caution within the group when it comes to the lifting of the lockdown.

Others though argued the government needs to start to lift some restrictions from next week.

Various arguments were made - mainly around the social and economic impacts of the virus.

Some pointed out that businesses may not re-open at all if this drags on much longer, while others stressed people need something to look forward to and that there should be some easing of social distancing for the elderly.

Sources said the Taoiseach largely held his council on his own opinions.

The cabinet will meet again on Friday when it will be asked to sign off on an extension of the lockdown period and potentially to slightly ease some of the restrictions.