Image via Facebook.com/michealmartintd''I did say on the record in the house that I wanted to get back to level three as a target''.
The Taoiseach has said he wants the country to go back to level three at the start of December, but he says he will look at certain sectors that may be given individual licence to open.
This could include bars and restaurants which would be outdoor dining only under level three.
Micheál Martin says the government wants to progress some opening of the economy in December:
''It is working (level 5 restrictions) in terms of public health issues and in terms of protecting lives'', he said.
''I did say on the record in the house that I wanted to get back to level three as a target''.
The country is currently three weeks into a six-week level 5 lockdown, which is due to end on December 1st.
Vaccine task force.
Meanwhile, a newly-established government taskforce has met for the first time to discuss the potential rollout of a Covid 19 vaccine.
It follows an announcement by Pfizer that it's jab is more than 90 per cent effective at preventing people becoming infected.
The European Commission signed a contract this morning to buy an initial 200 million doses, of which Ireland would get over 2 million.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid says a team's now working on plans in case the vaccine is approved.
''There is a government task force being established to focus on the vaccine procurement and distribution''.
