Return of indoor hospitality delayed, with access to be limited to those vaccinated

The Taoiseach has confirmed that the reopening indoor hospitality will be delayed, and that indoor access to pubs and restaurants is set to be restricted to those who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.

Today's announcement, six days before indoor service had been due to resume on Monday, July 5, has been greeted with dismay by the hospitality sector.

The Taoiseach said the planned reopening would not go ahead next week - and he didn't set a date for when it would happen.

He said the decision to postpone it was prompted by increasing concerns about the more transmissible Delta variant of the virus.

"Last night, we were advised by public health officials in very stark terms that proceeding exactly as planned on July 5 carries a real risk of greatly increased spread of the virus - increased hospital admissions, illness and death," said Micheál Martin.

He said there would be an increase in numbers at outdoor events from July 5, and the increase to 50 in people allowed to attend weddings would also go ahead.

"However, a return to other indoor activities, including hospitality, will be delayed. NPHET's clear advice, based on the modelling it has done, is that given the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant, the safest way to now proceed with a return to indoor hospitality is to limit access to those who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid infection.

"Over the course of the coming weeks, Government will work urgently with the relevant sectors to agree a practical and workable approach," he said.

Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State Robert Troy said this afternoon that the Government's planned system to verify vaccination or immunity for indoor settings would be drawn up by July 19, pending "further consideration and consultation with relevant sectors."

In a statement issued prior to the Taoiseach's address today, the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) said it was firmly opposed to the notion that only those fully vaccinated should be admitted to indoor hospitality venues.

The VFI described the plan as "unworkable" and said it would only increase pressure on publicans and their staff.