International travel looks set to be introduced again in July

Mr Coveney said that the certificates – which would allow easier international travel within the EU - would gather people’s data in three categories: have they been vaccinated against Covid-19, have they had the virus within the last six months, and have they had a negative PCR test.

“Countries have six weeks to then apply that within their own country’s situations,” he said.

“We plan to be ready for the the 1st of July, and then of course it’s a decision for Government along with public health advice to make a decision as to how we apply that green cert to Ireland in terms of facilitating international travel.

"Between the start of July and at some point in August, there will be a significant change in terms of international travel.”

Mr Coveney added that more information regarding timelines on international travel should become available following the Taoiseach’s address to the country on Friday.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Minister Coveney admitted that the was cautiously optimistic about the green passports coming into full effect on July 1 and said that it may be a longer process.

He said: “I hope that Ireland can be an early adopter from when this is introduced on July 1 in the EU.

“I certainly hope that we will be able to benefit from removing restrictions on international travel for many people who are travelling - perhaps not everybody - but for many people at some point in July.

“We will be making decisions on that and getting more clarity in relation to it on Friday.”