Taoiseach Micheal Martin has ruled out the requirement for a negative antigen test as an extra entry condition for access to pubs and nightclubs.
Mr Martin also dismissed that Ireland would follow Austria and issue a lockdown for people who are unvaccinated.
The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid is set to meet on Monday evening to discuss the latest recommendations by NPHET.
Dr Tony Holohan has advised the Government to tell people to go back to working from home and to expand the use of vaccine certs.
Members have also recommended that antigen tests should be used by people after they engage in high-risk activities such as attending a nightclub.
When asked if a negative antigen test should be required to enter a nightclub or pub, Mr Martin said: “No I mean look, we have to be balanced and have a degree of perspective on all of this.
“In terms of the operationalisation of all of this on this type of idea.
“We have to be practical, pragmatic, balanced and reasonable in terms of what works on the ground.
“The bottom line for all of us is, we do have to reduce socialisation. That’s important in keeping the lid on the virus.”
Speaking to reporters in Navan on Monday, the Taoiseach said the current trajectory of the disease is a “serious situation” in terms of cases and that the health system is under pressure.
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He said Ministers will give consideration to NPHET’s recommendations but would not be drawn on what areas other than hospitality could see the vaccine pass system implemented.
Mr Martin also said it’s not about getting through Christmas, it’s about getting through this phase of the pandemic.
The Fianna Fáil leader also ruled out a lockdown for those who are unvaccinated.
He said it would not be reasonable given over 93% of people here are fully vaccinated in comparison to 64% in Austria.
The Taoiseach said “behaviour is key” in driving down transmission of Covid as well as the booster campaign and the wider use of antigen testing.
It’s expected antigen tests will be subsidised with Mr Martin saying they will need to be made more affordable for people as we get through the winter.
