Eleven Covid-19 cases are currently being examined to determine if they are the Omicron variant, a spokesman for Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed.
It is understood specific samples are undergoing whole genome sequencing and results won't be known for a few days.
Minister Donnelly has said "it is likely" that the new Covid variant is in Ireland and that "we will be identifying cases here in the coming days".
It comes as the three Coalition leaders and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly are due to meet Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, at 4pm on Monday.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has indicated she expects Cabinet to agree on NPHET’s advice in which they have said children should avoid indoor activities like nativity plays, sleepovers, birthday parties and playdates.
NPHET also recommended children aged nine and over should wear masks in school and other indoor settings.
Speaking in Co Meath to reporters on Monday, Ms McEntee said: “We’ve a letter and advice from the Chief Medical Officer and his team and we’ll explore that but I’d guess at this stage it will be advice and we’ll be encouraging people to continue to restrict their movements but again we’ll have to decide on this collectively as a Cabinet.”
Sports Minister Jack Chambers also did not rule out the possibility of children having to cut back on indoor sport.
He said the current public health advice is “fluid and is subject to change.”
Minister Chambers also said he would be open to the extension of the use of vaccine passes when asked if the system should be in place for spectators to gain entrance to outdoor sporting events.
He said: “I’d be open to the extension of Covid passes to a broader range of settings.”
But added that the Government would have to see what the public health advice would be on such a measure.
He also said the Government will take into account the public health advice if NPHET had recommended a scale back on capacity allowed at matches and events.
He said: “The public health advice and public health position is fluid and obviously we’ll take into account any public health advice that relates to the return of spectators.
“It is an outdoor environment, we haven’t had many red flags or big concerns around transmission linked to spectators and that’s regularly reviewed by officials.
“The public health position can change and evolve and we’ll respond and be proactive around that if it changes.”
