The Taoiseach says Omicron's capacity to spread rapidly's causing "significant concern" and improved EU coordination is needed to deal with the threat.
Michael Martin says the variant will be a key focus at today's EU Council summit in Brussels, with rising energy costs also on the agenda.
Here at home, NPHET is meeting today amid suggestions further restrictions on social mixing could be recommended for Christmas.
Speaking in Brussels, Taoiseach Micheal Martin says Omicron is the big issue.
"There is significant concern in terms of the capacity of that variant to spread rapidly, and to put pressure on our societies and our health systems.
"Today we will be looking for greater coordination on a number of fronts in respect of Covid 19, in terms of the digital cert, in terms of the vaccination programme and in terms of travel also."
