The Agriculture Minister says he's "hopeful" Ireland can avoid another lockdown.
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Charlie McConalogue said he's confident strict restrictions aren't needed - but added that any NPHET advice will be considered.
NPHET officials are holding a vital meeting this morning to consider the current situation and whether more restrictions are needed.
New cases have stabilised recently, but at a high level. Hospital numbers, however, have declined from their peaks in mid-November.
There’s also uncertainty over the potential impact of the Omicron variant of the virus after the first case was detected in Ireland.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said he is sceptical about the need to impose new restrictions on people’s freedoms, family life and businesses at the moment.
However, he and the Taoiseach have warned that the daily case rates remain high and the situation could change quickly.
Meanwhile, new measures aimed at reducing case numbers among younger children - including mask-wearing from third class upwards - came into effect this week.
Minister McConalogue said we need to see what NPHET says today.
He said: “Public health advice has been crucial in managing the risk of infection, right throughout this process.
“We’ll consider any advice NPHET has in that regard.
"But also to recognise the tremendous work that’s going on in schools at the moment - the adjustment that happening in primary schools, and the great work teachers, principals and parents are doing.”
He added he’s “really hopeful” a lockdown can be avoided due to the way the public has responded to recent public health advice.
He added: “If people keep doing that - keep being very cautious and attentive in their everyday life and managing conservatively their daily activities - I would be confident we’d be able to maintain and continue to work as we are.”
