The Health Minister says cheaper antigen tests will be made available "very shortly" - but hasn't been able to give an exact date.
New restrictions to reduce the rates of Covid will see a curfew for the hospitality sector take effect tomorrow.
While everyone will be asked to work from home from this Friday and plans are being finalised for cheaper antigen tests.
Minister Stephen Donnelly says they'll be available soon.
"It could for example cost several hundred million euro to roll these out at a subsidised level.
"Nevertheless I believe it's important, government thinks it's important, and therefore that's what we're gonna do.
"We're not talking weeks or months at all.
"What I can say at this point is that it will be very shortly."
