The Tanaiste hopes the vast majority of restrictions will be lifted by August.
Leo Vardakar says he thinks that will be the month "when things are relatively normal again."
He has warned that it "doesn't mean that everything will be the same - but the vast majority of restrictions you would hope to see gone by August of this year."
Some restrictions on mass gatherings and international travel may remain in place longer than that, however.
Meanwhile, indoor dining could return as early as July according to the Tanaiste.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe says he shares the Tanaiste's optimism.
He said the vaccination rollout programme was the main reason he was optimistic about the reopening of the economy this summer.
