Emergency COVID-19 powers are set to be extended until November 9th after getting Cabinet approval this morning.
This covers rules around wearing facemasks, garda powers to inspect pubs, the banning of large gatherings and mandatory hotel quarantine.
The legislation had been due to expire in June, but it has been extended until November with the option for further three-month extensions if needed.
This doesn't mean all restrictions will last until November, however, and the Government plans to unwind many of the rules before that date.
However, it will give Government the power to enforce or re-introduce restrictions if the public health situation requires it.
A Government spokesperson says the emergency rules will be 'unwound' by not renewing them when there's no further threat from the pandemic.
The spokesperson Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is "very conscious of the extraordinary nature" of the powers.
However, he believes the "public interest could not be properly served otherwise than by having these powers available to the Government".
The Cabinet is meeting for a second time this evening to sign off on new proposals aimed at preventing investment funds from bulk buying new homes.
