Ireland will press ahead with plans to reopen all retail stores, personal services and non-residential construction in May with hotels, restaurants and bars to follow sooner than expected in early June, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Thursday.

Ireland to reopen all shops in May, hospitality in early June

Let Ireland live: Irish people stage anti-lockdown protest

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal. Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions.

Ireland loses EU trade job after Phil Hogan defies coronavirus restrictions

Last week, Ireland's Parliament was recalled as the lawmakers were spotted enjoying a dinner party defying the reimposed coronavirus regulations. Now, on Thursday, the Irish government has been asked to propose names for replacement for the position of the EU trade commissioner after Phil Hogan resigned for breaching coronavirus guidelines.

Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role

The Irish parliament will be recalled following the scandal of politicians defying social distancing regulations for a cultural gathering. The decision was announced by the Irish premier Micheal Martin on Sunday evening assuring that the parliament will be recalled and he also added that he has aksed the EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan to consider resigning from his post.

Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules