The Government has announced an easing of the Covid-19 restrictions ahead of Christmas, after six weeks at Level 5, the highest level in the framework for dealing with the virus.
Speaking near the end of an uncertain month for many, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the new measures, which will begin to take effect from Tuesday, 1 December.
Ahead of Christmas week, new exemptions will then be introduced, to allow people to "have a meaningful Christmas, albeit different to other years".
So what will the new measures mean, and when will they come into force? 1 December From Tuesday, the entire country will move to Level 3 in the Covid-19 plan, "with some modifications", said the Taoiseach.