Tanáiste Leo Varadkar has hinted rapid antigen tests could be used to allow people into pubs.
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin has also said this morning that “all options should be explored.”
Their comments come as publicans and restaurant representatives are due to meet government officials from both Ministers’ departments at 2pm to try to lock in a plan to reopen indoor dining.
Mr Varadkar has said he hopes he can bring a memo to Cabinet next Tuesday that will outline how businesses can reopen indoors for customers.
NPHET have been clear they are against the use of antigen testing to allow indoor dining and only fully vaccinated people or those who have recovered from Covid should be allowed to eat and drink indoors.
Mr Varadkar has said rapid antigen testing is still under consideration but publicans have expressed this system would be difficult for rural pubs to implement.
Speaking this morning, the Fine Gael leader said the government is “looking at the issue of children because we don't want to split up families, and then the issue potentially with people who have been tested recently.”
When asked on Newstalk if rapid antigen testing could be deployed to allow people into pubs, he said: "It is one of the things that's under examination at the moment.
"That would be a departure from public health advice and NPHET advice so we'd be loath to do that right away, but it is an option that's under consideration, but I would bear in mind that we're really powering through the vaccine programme now.”
