THE GOVERNMENT has delayed their announcement of a list of 'green' countries that will be open for non-essential international travel.
The Cabinet's decision to withhold the announcement came after concerns of fresh spikes in coronavirus cases arose, particularly after images circulated showing hundreds of revellers failing to adhere to social distancing guidelines in pubs over the weekend.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin warned that the date for reopening the remaining pubs could be pushed back and said the current plans were "under review".
Martin said that while the majority of pubs had managed to ensure that themselves and their customers were following the new public health guidelines, stricter adherence needed to be applied across the industry in order for the government to stick to the current reopening plan.
"We will be keeping it all under review in terms of Phase Four," Martin said.
"Nothing can be guaranteed if this behaviour were to continue."
Asked whether this meant it was possible that the remaining pubs wouldn't be opening on July 20 as planned, he said: "We want pubs to reopen safely on July 20, but we can't be blind to what's going on right now - those incidents where the guidance wasn't adhered to.
"We're not happy with what transpired in certain locations over the weekend."
Also under threat of being delayed is the impending lifting of travel restrictions.
People travelling from abroad into Ireland are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, though this measure is due to be lifted on Thursday.
However, following the concerns raised over the weekend, the government is expected to extend these travel restrictions to July 20, and the advice will be reviewed every two weeks after that.
They will also reportedly be considering protocols such as temperature checks and screenings at airports.
