The re-opening of indoor dining will be delayed by at least two weeks after a late night meeting of Ministers last night.
Younger age groups are also set to be given a choice of what vaccine they will take.
After some stark figures were given by NPHET the cabinet sub-committee has agreed to delay the planned re-opening of indoor dining, likely until at least July 19th.
However, it's unclear whether the industry will fully re-open even then.
Ministers discussed a vaccine bonus and only allowing fully vaccinated people to dine indoors, on advice from NPHET.
It was a recommendation they weren't expecting and some Ministers have admitted it will be a logistical nightmare for many businesses to track.
Speaking in the early hours of this morning after the Cabinet sub-Committee meeting, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan says the modelling presented to Ministers of the Delta variant's potential is raising concern:
"I think we'll probably have to delay to get the plan right, get the systems in place. I think people were expecting that but I suppose what people weren't expecting was concern about the modeling, showing what the Delta variant could do, that's what was different tonight".
NPHET warned of a potential large spike in cases and increased deaths due to the Delta variant - however, Ministers say this was a worst-case scenario forecast.
Cabinet also accepted NIAC advice to allow under 40s to be given the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
However, for the first time, those age groups will have a choice of what vaccine they get, and can opt for the mRNA options instead, subject to supply issues.
It essentially means many people could be vaccinated sooner, and those not comfortable with the small clotting risks associated with the Astra or J&J vaccines can wait a little longer for an alternative.
