A public health expert says the easing of almost all covid restrictions is 'the right thing to do'.
Workers can return to offices on a phased basis starting today, while pubs, restaurants and nightclubs are already open at their usual times.
Social distancing has been scrapped and there are no restrictions on live events or gatherings in the home.
In person prison visits are also set to resume this week.
Professor Sam McConkey from the RCSI believes it's fine to reopen as the peak of Omicron has passed.
"It's clear now that this Omicron wave has peaked and past it's worst, and the number of cases in hospital and ICU are coming down.
"We're really at this point not facing a huge wave, things are hopefully going to improve even with all the easing of restrictions, so it's very hard to justify the restrictions on meeting and travel once this imminent threat is gone."
