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The return to work of more than 14,000 more construction workers, along with the resumption of group sports training for children, next month have been identified as key government priorities.
Ministers will begin detailed considerations next week on Covid-19-related restrictions that could be relaxed on April 5.
At the top of the list is a plan to allow homebuilders to go back to work.
However, the remaining 20,000 construction workers may not return to work until late April or early May.
The other objective of the Government is to eliminate restrictions on sports training for those under 18 years of age.
This may involve developing new protocols for parents bringing their children to training.
While there are likely to be discussions about the return of golf and tennis, these sports are considered less of a priority today.
The return of GAA training between counties will also be discussed.
The government also believes it has to extend the 5km limit, but any changes may not allow unrestricted travel within a county.
Instead, the limit could be extended to 20 km, with some in the government believing that any extension shorter than this could provoke public ire.
However, ahead of next week’s discussions, political circles have realized that the National Public Health Emergency Team will urge the government to take an extremely cautious approach to any relaxation of restrictions.
Covid-19 case numbers in the coming days will also affect decisions amid some signs that those numbers could rise in the period to come.
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There have been nine more Covid-related deaths reported by the Health Department tonight.
Seven of the deaths occurred this month, and two occurred in February. The ages of those who died ranged from 64 to 95 years old.
An additional 525 cases of the virus were also confirmed.
In Northern Ireland, meanwhile, 159 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, while no deaths were reported.
Yesterday, the Taoiseach said it will not speculate beyond what it has already said on whether the restrictions will continue after April 5 or if they will be relaxed at that time.
Speaking in Cork, Mr. Martin said that the Government will plan for the public before April 5 what will happen from then on.
“We understand and understand that people are fed up,” Martin said.
“I’m not going to speculate, but we will give people clear indications before April 5 on how we see April play out and I don’t believe in speculating beyond that.”
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