Pubs won't be allowed reopen from Monday.
Around 3,500 bars that don't serve food were due to open on August 31st. However the National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended they remain closed.
Meanwhile, ministers are to discuss making gatherings of more than six people indoors a criminal offence.
Gardaí will be given the power to shut a bar or house party down on-the-spot for breaching Covid-19 rules.
The proposed new legislation is part of further measures to tackle the spread of the virus, that were announced last week.
Gearoid O’Regan, who owns O’Regans pub in Ballyheigue in Kerry says its another hammer-blow for publicans not to be allowed reopen;
"On a human level you wouldn't put someone out on the street for six months and not give them anything and to be honest with you that is what has happened to publicans" he said.
"The decision hasn't been made fully yet, the cabinet meets this afternoon, but you could nearly take it as a given."
