The HSE says surgeons will now be able to carry out some non-emergency operations that were suspended because of the pandemic.
Twelve more people being treated for covid-19 have died and 236 more people have tested positive.
Cancer and heart surgeries will be the priority for now.
Consultant oncologist Professor John Crown says the pandemic has made the issue of Ireland's lengthy waiting lists far more pressing.
"You must remember that Ireland pre-Covid we faced this crisis with the health system which had the lowest number of specialists, amongst the lowest numbers of beds, lower number of intensive care beds, and amongst the longest waiting lists of any country in the OECD.
"The pre-crisis situation is really one that needed addressing and reform, and that need for reform hasn't gone away."
