Schools will remain closed in January as the Government introduces further restrictions to halt the spread of Covid-19.
But Leaving Cert students will continue to be brought in three days a week as Cabinet aims for State exams to go-ahead as normal in the summer.
The Government is due to make an announcement in the coming hour, which is expected to see non-essential construction close.
Click and collect services for retailers are also expected to be stopped.
The Government is also considering the introduction of "childcare bubbles" for essential workers.
This would see two different homes join together for child-minding purposes.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin will be joined by other Ministers for a briefing shortly.
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