Public health officials have recommended some Covid restrictions be kept until at least January 2022.
The likes of social distancing, mask wearing and the use of digital Covid certs could be extended until after winter.
Cabinet is meeting at Dublin Castle to consider NPHET's advice.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has said some restrictions due to ease this week could now last until next year.
"We need to review it, but it does run to the 9th of January. Where we are now, that's not that far away.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed close contacts of Covid cases will now be sent an antigen test as part of an expansion of their use.
He also said some of the modelling from NPHET is worrying:
"If we were to remove all restrictions from this Friday the modelling suggests that we could, by the end of November, be at about 800-1,000 hospital cases."
The Minister also confirmed nightclubs will be allowed to return, but with extra safety measures in place.
While NIAC has approved the use of booster vaccines in the over 60s.
People will be eligible for a booster no sooner than five months after their final dose of the first vaccine.
