A full return to workplaces won't happen until spring, according to the Tánaiste.

Leo Varadkar said employees should be allowed to return to the workplace if they wish, as long as safety protocols are followed.

However, he also said those who don't feel comfortable being back in the office should be facilitated to work from home.

The Tánaiste says employers should be able to cater for both groups.

He said: "If it can be facilitated - if they can be in an office on their own, or in an office where they're socially distanced from other people - that should be facilitated.

"We're going to sit down today with the employers and the unions and update the work safety protocol. But the full return to offices as we knew them... that will be next spring."

His comments come after the Government today confirmed some measures - such as COVID certs for accessing indoor venues - will continue until February.

A phased return to workplaces began last month, under plans that had initially expected a full reopening of society this coming Friday.

Today's updated guidance states a return to workplaces "will continue on a phased and cautious basis for specific business requirements".

It comes amid a continuing high number of COVID-19 cases, including 2,399 new cases reported today.