Taoiseach Micheal Martin has warned that there could be as much as a "six month" period of restrictions as he issues an update ahead of Christmas.
The Fianna Fail leader said that Ireland was looking at half a year of new and reintroduced rules as we go back and forth from one level to the next.
He said it was vital to get the public vaccinated but it was also essential to remain cautious even when the vaccine is successfully circualting.
He told Echo Live: "We’ll be looking at restrictions for the next six months.
"It’s going to be a parallel process of vaccinating the public while at the same time keeping the pressure on the virus."
It comes as further restrictions will be reimposed "sooner than originally planned" after the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan confirmed that the Government will be meeting today and tomorrow before deciding on finer details.
The Minister did however say that the hospitality sector as well as the household gathering numbers will see new restrictions.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Mr Ryan said: "The Taoiseach was out saying last week that because of the rising numbers we were looking at some of the dates, an earlier closing of hospitality, a reduction in the number of households who could visit the house.
"It was only the last three days really that we've seen the recent spike, that would call us to change timelines.
"We're looking with concern at the rising numbers. There is likely to be further restrictions yes and sooner than originally planned.
"I think their in a variety of different measures there is likely to be change."
It comes after 764 more people tested positive for coronavirus in Ireland on Sunday.
Speaking on Sunday's figures, Dr Holohan suggested that anyone who has been socialising in recent days and weeks should consider cancelling their Christmas plans.
