The reopening of Ireland is to be further accelerated, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has announced.

Phase 3 of the Government's plan to reopen society and business is set to begin on June 29 and according to Mr Varadkar, a number of businesses that were not scheduled to open then, can now do so.

These include hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, gyms, leisure facilities and cinemas.

Churches and places or worship will also be allowed to open and gatherings of up to 50 people indoors and 200 people outdoors will be allowed.

All sporting activities, including child and adult leagues, can also commence. However, the number of spectators at these activities will be very limited.

Mr Varadkar said that he was making the announcement today "to give people time to prepare so that places can be ready to reopen".

"We are making progress, but this announcement comes with terms and conditions. The virus hasn't gone away. We are all still susceptible to it. People should still work from home if they can," he noted.

He said that as the country is reopened in a controlled and measured way, personal responsibility "will become more important than ever before".

He called on people to consider four things before making a decision to do something - distance, activity, time and environment or DATE for short:
-Distance - try to stay two metres apart from people if at all possible
-Activity - wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering on public transport or in a crowded indoor place like a supermarket
-Time - consider the length of time you spend with a group as this increases your risk
-Environment - remember that a closed, poorly-ventilated indoor space is much riskier than being outdoors.

Phase 2 of the Government's plan for reopening society and business will continue in place until June 29. For more information on this, click here.