The first "vaccine bonus" since the roll-out of the programme began in January came this evening, after it was announced that two fully vaccinated people will be able to meet up indoors.
This measure comes into effect immediately. It applies to people who have had their two doses of vaccine, and they should wait until two weeks after receiving the second jab.
The bonus was described by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer as "conservative", but Dr Ronan Glynn said that Ireland is one of just a few countries taking this step and that it's about showing people the benefit of vaccination.
Professor Rónán Collins, a Consultant Geriatrician at Tallaght University Hospital described the bonus as "very significant" for older people, as they have been