The United Kingdom now has a better two week coronavirus incidence rate than Ireland raising the hopes of our neighbours making the green list.
Germany is another country that has dipped below Ireland after the recent surge in cases in our country.
The Republic of Ireland's 14 day incidence rate per 100,000 people now stands at 16.9, the UK's is currently 16.5 while Germany's is 12.9 - according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
To make the green list a country would need to have a similar or better rate than Ireland which could see the UK added if they keep on their current course.
The last change to the official list was made last Tuesday and is said to be looked at every two weeks.
It currently stands at 10 countries after Malta, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Monaco and San Marino were removed.
The Government confirmed on Sunday they were looking at restricting travel from areas with high incidence rates although travel related cases remain low.
Mr Donnelly said: "Many are asking about travel/tourists coming into Ireland from countries with high Covid rates.
"My Dept is preparing options for Gov on how to restrict non-essential travel from third countries (outside EU/UK) with high rates of Covid. Am concerned about high rates in some places
"These options will be finalised as soon as possible. While travel related cases here remain small, some countries are seeing a rapid rise in cases so the risk is increasing.
"Once proposals are finalized they will be presented to Gov for discussion."
