Restrictions on international travel could be eased this week while measures on socialising are set to be tightened.
NPHET will meet tomorrow to discuss what restrictions need to be in place over Christmas.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said he expects health officials to issue new advice on social mixing and close contacts.
"We would have hoped the current set of restrictions would be adequate ... but the arrival of Omicron and the speed at which it's growing changes that picture", he said.
The Dublin West TD also said travel restrictions won't work as the Omicron variant is already in Ireland.
However Taoiseach Micheál Martin has dismissed suggestions the requirement for a negative Covid test to enter Ireland from overseas will be dropped.
