Micheál Martin has defended the decision not to move to level 5 two weeks ago, when first asked by the National Public Health Emergency Team. Around 150,000 people are expected to lose their jobs when level five restrictions kick in from midnight tomorrow.
Ireland has become the first European country to enter a second lockdown with all non-essential retail to close.
However, some measures are more lenient than planned in level five. Schools will remain open.
Up to 25 guests will be allowed at weddings, but no more than ten people can attend a funeral, with only essential retail and most manufacturing facilities staying open.
Construction work will continue, but non essential workers are being told to work from home. There will be no social or family gathering allowed in homes or gardens and everyone is being asked to exercise within a 5 km radius
