The covid-19 lockdown has been extended with level 5 restrictions to remain in place until April 5th.
Meanwhile, schools and childcare services will reopen on a phased basis from next week.
From Monday Leaving Cert students, as well as junior and senior infants, first and second class will return to class.
It's planned that third to sixth class in primary schools, and fifth-year secondary school students will return to schools.
April 12th, is the target date for first to fourth-year students in post primary to go back to in school learning.
Childcare services are set to re-open starting with the ECCE scheme on March 8th.
The situation will be reviewed ahead of April 5th.
Making the announcement this evening, Taoiseach Micheal Martin admitted "we are all completely fed up with the impositions on our lives."
He said the emergence of the B117 strain of covid-19 "has changed the dynamic significantly and we need to be very careful as we take the next steps forward."
The Taoiseach told the nation in a live address "When we open things, we want them to stay open. That is why I cannot over emphasise the importance of continued observance of Level 5 restrictions. It is why, if you are currently working from home, you must continue to do so."
