There have been 17,071 further cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland today by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The Department of Health says there are now 717 people in hospital, of which 87 are in ICU.
It adds that the case data is provisional "given the current high incidence".
Record infection numbers have been reported here in recent days as Omicron cases continue to surge.
HSE CEO Paul Reid said on Sunday that while it is "early days" in combating the latest strain, he is hopeful we can look back on Omicron soon.
He said on Twitter: "Early days yet, but let's all hope & plan that with the great efforts of the public, our testers & tracers, vaccination teams & all healthcare professionals will mean that at some stage we can all look back on #Omicron.
"We're not there yet but these actions will benefit."
Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly shared a positive assessment about how Covid can be tackled in 2022.
"2021 was a long and tough year for so many. We begin 2022 in a stronger position thanks to vaccines and effective new treatments," he said.
"Our case numbers are high and concerning, but good to see the rate of hospitalisations has fallen dramatically compared to this time last year.
"Our vaccination rollout has been superb. We have the 2nd highest uptake of booster vaccines in the EU. This is something everyone should be really proud of - an incredible national effort. Studies show you’re up to 8 times more likely to end up in hospital if unvaccinated.
"Our death rate from Covid remains one of the lowest in the EU. While we have lost friends, family and loved ones to this terrible virus, many more would have suffered without your incredible efforts and sacrifices."
He added that more ICU beds and additional healthcare workers will be added this year which will further bolster Ireland's health system in 2022.
