The Cabinet will meet this afternoon to consider increased restrictions ahead of Christmas.
NPHET has recommended limits on how many people can meet in a home, and a return to last year's rules on hospitality.
Seán Defoe reports for RedFM News:
""Grim humour from some in Government today, with a senior official answering the phone with 'Merry Restrictmas'.
NPHET has recommended curbs on socialising until at least January.
That would include bringing hospitality back where it was a number of months ago - with table service only, no booking multiple tables, earlier closing times and the effective closure of nightclubs.
The Taoiseach met the hospitality sector earlier, with Restaurants Association of Ireland CEO Adrian Cummins saying supports were promised:
"The EWS Scheme was discussed at length. A restructured CRSS Scheme has looked at length also, and a Commercial Rates waver also for the industry."
NPHET has also recommended limiting meet ups in homes to a total of four households, and the extension of the Digital Covid Certs to access other services, possibly including gyms and hairdressers.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee says a decision will be made after a 3pm Cabinet meeting:
"We don't want there to be speculation over the weekend. That in itself can cause confusion and, I think, worry for people. So we want to be able to respond to NPHET as quickly as possible but obviously have the time to take onboard any recommendations they may make."
It's expected the Taoiseach will address the nation this evening to announce the changes.""
