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13th May 2020

Leo Varadkar most looking forward to “a pint” post-lockdown

Sarah Finnan

Leo Varadkar

Leo Varadkar was on Today FM this morning to clear up and discuss a number of different topics – saying that he is “confident” the country will move into phase one on May 18th.

Speaking to Dermot and Dave on Today FM, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told listeners that he is “confident” that things will progress and that the country will move into phase one of the Government’s roadmap come May 18th.

It’s expected that the public will be updated as to whether Ireland can move into phase one of the roadmap by the end of the week. Scheduled to start on May 18th, phase one will see a number of restrictions eased should it go ahead – extending the travel limit to 5km, also allowing a phased return to work for outdoor workers, certain retail outlets and the re-opening of childcare services for essential healthcare workers.

According to An Taoiseach, he is “much more comfortable now” that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will recommend moving into phase one, though he did warn that “there’s always a possibility that could change”.

Varadkar also added that the Covid-19 pandemic payment will be extended – though he couldn’t specify for how much longer.

As for what he’s most looking forward to post-lockdown? Varadkar wasted no time in answering saying that it had to be a pint – echoing the answers of people all across the country.

Minister for Health Simon Harris also popped on to chat to Dermot and Dave, weighing in on whether people will have to wear face coverings when out in public, saying:

“It’s likely that in certain circumstances we will be advised that we should wear face coverings as we go about our business.”

Minister Harris confirmed that the NPHET is meeting later today to consider the matter.

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