Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has said people need to "exercise discretion and restraint" over the Christmas period to minimise further Covid-19 health risks, which in turn will "profoundly influence what 2021 looks like".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Donohoe said it was "so tremendous" that so many businesses could reopen today, and to see so many go back to work was essential.
He said it was "equally essential" however that when out in restaurants, people need to respect the livelihoods and health of those working there to ensure safety. "We have to exercise discretion; we have to in truth exercise restraint to ensure that across this period we don't create further health risks for ourselves and for those who are looking