The Cabinet is consider the recommendations from NPHET.
Ministers are facing open revolt among the backbenches of Government parties over NPHET's recommendation to give pubs and restaurants a 5pm curfew.
The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid will meet in the next hour to debate the advice.
NPHET has asked Government to restrict the hospitality sector to a 5pm curfew - expanding this out to include theatres, cinemas and other cultural events.
Large outdoor events like matches are to be limited to 50% capacity or 5,000 attendees.
While there has been advice on getting close contacts to restrict movement.
There's open revolt over the pub advice from Government backbenchers.
A group of Fianna Fáil Senators has opposed the recommendation, saying it's unworkable and will encourage house parties.
Former Minister Barry Cowen has said a 9 or 10pm curfew would be better while former Fine Gael Minister Regina Doherty has said if people can't get a pint and a pizza after 5pm she gives up.
Obviously am not privy to specific details of nphet recommendations but surely a 9 or 10pm curfew with weekly review of figures. Ramp up boosters with updated Covid certs for entrance to all indoor events. People open to compromise not confrontation in interest of public health
— Barry Cowen (@CowenBarry) December 17, 2021
Fianna Fáil Senators jointly opposing the NPHET recommendation for a 5pm closing time for the hospitality sector pic.twitter.com/OiwWe2QtgU
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) December 17, 2021
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted to say everyone is feeling anger, frustration, dismay and depression but that cannot deflect them from making the right decisions to keep people safe.
Privately Ministers are trying to figure out how a closure could work and whether it's warranted, with one saying they couldn't believe they were in this situation again.
Prison Inmates' Mental Health Being Impacted By Over Crowding
Plans For Cycling And Walking Trails Across Midlands Bogs
€5,000 Taken During Burglary In The Midlands
Flooding Schemes To Protect Almost 2,000 Homes
Laois School Students' Study Highlights Farmers' Battle With Mental Health
Elderly Man Hospitalised After Offaly Crash
Women Risk Being "Stuck" In Refuge Due To Issues With Sourcing Accommodation
Record Number Of Women Declare For 2024 Local Elections
Westmeath Cafe Customers Reluctant To Take Home Cans After DRS Implementation
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash
Dáil To Debate Replacement Of Means-Testing For Family Carers
'Pleasant' Mother And Daughter The Winners Of €150k Offaly Scratch Card
Serious Offaly Crash Which Saw Four People Hospitalised Under Investigation
Over 150 Midlands Businesses On Board For LOFFA Rainbow Day
Offaly Lotto Player Bags €150k Winning Ticket
Westmeath Army Barracks To Benefit From Increased Defence Funding
Midlands Children Raise Over €19k On National Pyjama Day
Report Finds Laois Town Can Be "More Than The Electric Picnic Site"
"Sustainability Is The Way Forward" - New Refill Mill Owner