The news comes as part of the “Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting” plan which was announced as part of the Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s address to the nation on August 31.

Vaccine passes for indoor drinking and dining are due to be scrapped from October 22, as part of a removal of Covid restrictions.

From Friday, October 22 pubs, restaurants and cafes will not be required to ask customers for proof of their vaccination cert or Covid immunity.

From October 22, the requirement for mask-wearing outdoors and in a private setting will also be removed.

Passengers boarding flights will still be required to show certification of vaccination, immunity or testing when travelling internationally.

This phase of the reopening has been described by the Taoiseach as a “whole new phase of the pandemic” and a period of “hope”.

Speaking during his address to the nation, the Taoiseach emphasised the importance of vaccination and covid-testing.

“The pandemic is not over,” the Taoiseach said, “with the delta variant, great uncertainties remain. We will need to stick to the basics. Even after 22 Oct, you will still need to wear a mask in healthcare, public transport and retail,” he added.

Echoing the Taoiseach’s words, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin tweeted that “while vaccination is now our most important and effective measure, there will continue to be a need for some measures and a layered approach to the application of these measures to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Elsewhere on District: Nightclubs will reopen on October 22 as part of “a whole new phase of the pandemic”