Transport Minister Shane Ross has said it's likely people will be asked to wear face coverings on public transport from next week.
The National Public Health Emergency Team will take a decision on the issue on Friday.
This morning the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he is more confident now that the country will be able to start the reopening process from next week.
In the Dáil this afternoon, Minister Ross said part of that is likely to mean people will be asked to wear face coverings in public places.
He told deputies: "It looks very much as though on public transport that there will be coverings".
The National Public Health Emergency Team will make a recommendation on Friday, but it is unlikely to be made mandatory.
Meanwhile, Minister Ross also said that current public transport capacity should be sufficient when more workers begin travelling to work again in the coming weeks.
From Monday, a limited number of workers - including those in working outdoors in the construction sector - will be allowed return to work again.
The summer will see a gradual increase in the number of businesses allowed reopen, as part of the Government's 'five phase' roadmap.
Minister Ross said work is now underway to plan for more passengers on trains, buses and trams amid continuing social distancing and reduced transport services.
He said: "The [National Transport Authority] advises that current levels of service will facilitate the expected increase in passenger numbers, principally in the construction sector, from the start of Phase 1.
"The operators are in a position to provide extra capacity, including a return to the normal Monday to Friday schedule and mobilisation of additional vehicles at any particular pinch points in the network, should more capacity be required in Phase 2."
Reporting by Sean Defoe and Stephen McNeice
