Stephen Donnelly says the strain now accounts for 27 % of new infections in Ireland, up from just 1% a week ago.
NPHET is meeting this evening to discuss if further restrictions on social interaction are needed in response to the variant.
Minister Stephen Donnelly says there's still much uncertainty about the new version of the virus:
"We know the variant is spreading rapidly and yesterday the UK recorded its highest number of cases in one day since the pandemic began. We know it's going to result in an increase in cases very soon here in Ireland as well. The only question is- how high is that increase going to be?"
Meanwhile high risk children will be able to register for a Covid vaccine from the 28th of December.
They will be done at paediatric hospitals with that cohort getting jabs from January 3rd, while it will move to other children from January 10th.
Children aged 5-11 have been approved for two reduced doses of a Pfizer vaccine three weeks apart.
