Taoiseach Micheál Martin has signalled that non-essential retail is set to stay open under a tightening of measures to come into play before New Year’s Eve.
Mr Martin confirmed there will be a “shortening" of the period in which there was to be a relaxation of measures over the festive season.
He said that Cabinet will deal with the NPHET advice on Tuesday.
Mr Martin said these restrictions will relate to the hospitality sector and inter-county travel “but non-essential retail would be allowed to continue to open.”
He said: "There will be a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday to deal with the advice from NPHET in relation to restrictions to be brought in before New Year's Eve and that would in particular relate to hospitality and inter-county travel.
"But non-essential retail would be allowed to continue to open.
"I think the key point is this virus spreads very rapidly and when it gets to a certain level it spread exponentially."
It's understood the tightening of restrictions could come into play on December 28.
Mr Martin was speaking after a virtual North South Ministerial Council on Friday.
He said the government is “very minded” to accept NPHET advice on the hospitality sector before the New Year.
Labour leader Alan Kelly has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to call a Cabinet meeting sooner to "give people clarity."
He told RTE News: "I would call on the Taoiseach to call a Cabinet meeting tonight or tomorrow.
"For God's sake, give people certainty.
"This is a precious time."
