The Health Minister says he wants Covid restrictions lifted at the earliest possible opportunity.
Stephen Donnelly said he wouldn't speculate on what NPHET will decide after its meeting on Thursday.
There's hope in Government health officials will recommend an easing of restrictions around hospitality and live events.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says he doesn't want restrictions lasting any longer than they need to
"People have trusted us to exercise those powers in the public interest."
"I believe we have a duty to relinquish those powers, and to end the difficult restrictions the moment the public health rationale is no longer in support of them."
🚨Political backing growing for the lifting of 8pm restriction as early as this Weekend
Ultimately it will be NPHET who will advise government.
Scotland 🏴 has decided lift all restrictions on Hospitality & Night Time Economy from this Monday 24th— Adrian Cummins 🇮🇪🇪🇺 (@adriancummins) January 18, 2022
Meeting
Ministers may meet as early as Friday to act on NPHET recommendations.
Stephen Donnelly says they won't keep the measures in place any longer than they have to:
"We need an absolutely clear public health rationale for them," he says about measures that may be continued.
"Wherever there isn't a public health rationale they should be dispensed with at the earliest possible opportunity."
