Ireland's unemployment rate may not return to pre-COVID levels until 2024.
Just over 1 million people, or 22.5% of the population, are now out of work, according to the Central Statistics Office.
The Central Bank expects this to fall to 14.5% by the end of the year, if lockdown measures continue to be unwound on a phased basis.
Its Director of Economics and Statistics Mark Cassidy said it could be four years before unemployment returns to levels seen before the pandemic.
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The acting Chief Medical Officer has said social distancing guidelines for schools could be further relaxed over time.
Government guidance published this week shows children up to third class won't have to social distance.
Those from 3rd to 6th class will be asked to keep one metre apart – while the guidance for secondary school students will be two metres where possible.
Dr Ronan Glynn said practical realities were taken into consideration when coming up with the guidelines.
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The Government is paying tribute to the Chief Medical Officer for his leadership in handling the COVID-19 crisis.
Dr Tony Holohan is stepping aside from work commitments to be with his family as his wife Emer, who has cancer, has been admitted to palliative care.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, has taken up the role with immediate effect.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin thanked Dr Holohan on behalf of the people of Ireland for “helping to guide this country through the Covid-19 emergency.”
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British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has appeared in court in the US accused of luring underage girls so Jeffrey Epstein could sexually abuse them.
She has always denied any involvement – but the FBI believes she played a "critical role" in helping the late financier groom victims.
The 58-year-old, who was arrested yesterday, will face proceedings in New York.
She did not enter a plea and has been remanded in custody.
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Dublin City Council has published detailed plans for the pedestrianisation of areas near Grafton Street.
The trial will include sections of South Anne Street, South William Street, Duke Street, Drury Street and Dame Court.
The trials will run for four weeks on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 7pm, beginning on the 25th of July.
Green Party Councillor Michael Pidgeon said the scheme will be beneficial to local businesses.
