Govt. Confirms 2 Week Delay In Re-Opening Of Indoor Dining.

Some Government Ministers are sceptical about how a new system, to only allow vacinated people to dine indoors, would work.

The Government has agreed to postpone the re-opening of indoor dining for a number of weeks.

It follows a stark warning from the National Public Health Emergency Team about the Delta variant.

Stephanie Rohan reports from the Government’s Cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle.

Some Government Ministers are sceptical about how a new system, to only allow vacinated people to dine indoors, would work.

Our Political Correspondent Seán Defoe reports:

Owner of the Swan bar in Dublin, Ronan Lynch, says it's been insulting the way in which the hospitality sector has been treated:

The Licensed Vintner Association says it will not accept any proposals that allows for indoor dining to go ahead for vaccinated people only.

These publicans on Dublin’s South William Street have mixed opinion on the move:

Here is your guide to the changes announced by Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD today⬇️ 🗓️See the changes from July 5th here pic.twitter.com/0yueiID74e

— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) June 29, 2021

Taoiseach Michael Martin says the government wants to make sure that when a sector reopens, it stays open:

Tanaiste Leo Vardakar says they were given stark warnings from NPHET about what may happen if government went ahead with its original reopening plans:

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan says the delay will help the country emerge from the covid-19 pandemic safely:

The Chief Medical Officer says an increase risk of transmission of the Delta Covid variant makes a fourth wave of infection likely.

Dr Tony Holohan's written to the Health Minister saying it is clear the Delta variant is rapidly becoming the dominant strain.

He says it is uncertain what the magnitude of the fourth wave will be in terms of hospitalisation and mortality.

From 165 to 2,170 deaths, here's what NPHET's modelling said about four 'Delta wave' scenarios https://t.co/DbcBSOnVig pic.twitter.com/cx5udTkbJb

— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) June 29, 2021

Independent TD Mattie McGrath labelled NPHET advice as 'bonkers'

While Government plans to delay the re-opening of indoor dining have faced scathing criticism in the Dail.

Labour Leader Alan Kelly told Environment Minister Eamon Ryan the plans around allowing fully vaccinated people dine indoors will break social cohesion:

The Taoiseach has said there's no guarantee indoor dining will open even on the 19th of July after today's decision to delay re-opening.

Micheál Martin has said there will be a plan in place by July 19th for how pubs and restaurants can manage allowing only fully-vaccinated people in.

Our Political Correspondent Seán Defoe reports:

.