Restrictions
Ministers will meet on Friday afternoon to discuss the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
Recommendations put forward by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) will be considered, with the group understood to have recommended the easing of almost all current restrictions.
An end to the 8pm hospitality curfew and the need for Covid certs is expected, in addition to a phased return to the workplace. If approved by Cabinet, an announcement will take place shortly after the meeting.
Hospitality reaction
News that the 8pm curfew is to be scrapped has been welcomed by the hospitality sector, but industry representatives have called for the changes to be implemented immediately.
The chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), Adrian Cummins said businesses which are ready to operate normal trading hours from tonight should be allowed to do so.
Chief executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) Padraig Cribben echoed the calls, stating regular trading hours should resume this weekend.
Donegal death
Gardaí have launched an investigation following the discovery of a woman's body in a house in Co Donegal.
The woman's remains were found at around 8.20pm on Thursday night in Kilmacrennan.
The body was removed to Letterkenny University Hospital where a full postmortem is due to take place on Friday.
The findings of the postmortem will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
Road deaths
Gardaí are appealing for information after two men were killed in separate road traffic collisions on Thursday afternoon.
A man in his 80s was killed in a three-car collision on the M6 in Co Galway at around 2pm, while a second man, aged in his late 60s, was killed in a separate collision in Cleenrath, Co Longford at around 4pm.
Anyone who witnessed either crash is asked to contact Galway Garda station on 091-538 000 or Granard Garda station on 043-668 7660.
