The Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Minister says she's hopeful the country can begin to return to normal from July or August.
Local TD Heather Humphreys has said the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which is under review by the European Medicines Agency, is a 'gamechanger' and will allow a further stepping up of the vaccination programme.
People over the age of 85 are this week beginning to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile, there's been widespread criticism of the lack of clarity around a return of education.
Speaking on The Joe Finnegan Show this morning, Minister Humphreys said an announcement on the Leaving Cert is expected this week.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said she's hopeful the country can begin to return to normality this Summer: