Cabinet ministers have been told there is no indication that coronavirus disease levels are low enough to start easing restrictions.
It comes as there was a split among ministers in what should be done next, with a decision likely to be made on Friday.
At Tuesday's cabinet meeting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Health Minister Simon Harris set out the current state of play.
They said the medical evidence is not there at the moment to allow the easing of restrictions next week.
Ministers Charlie Flanagan and Shane Ross were also urging caution within the group when it comes to the lifting of the measures.
However, others argued that the Government needs to start to lift some restrictions from next week.
Various arguments were made - mainly around the social and economic impacts of the virus.
Some pointed out that businesses may not re-open at all if this drags on much longer, while others stressed people need something to look forward to - and that there should be some easing of social distancing for the elderly.
Sources said Mr Varadkar largely held his council on his own opinions.
The cabinet will meet again on Friday when it will be asked to sign-off on an extension of the lockdown period and potentially to slightly ease some of the restrictions.
While the restrictions are expected to remain in force for now, officials are set to announce a road-map for a phased return to normal life over the summer.
Speaking on Monday night, the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said he was now "more firmly of the view" that if he was deciding what to do with restrictions today, he would not lift them.
"It is down to the wire and I haven't made my mind up." @CMOIreland
on the decision making behind any change to COVID-19 restrictions on May 5th. pic.twitter.com/uWohMKliQx— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) April 27, 2020
Dr Holohan said public health officials wanted to see a drop in the number of people in intensive care, a drop in the number of new cases and improvements in the situation at residential care facilities before they will consider relaxing restrictions.
The current restrictions - where people are being asked to stay at home wherever possible, other than for reasons such as exercise, grocery shopping or essential work - are already due to continue through the weekend.
It is believed over-70s may be permitted to exercise outside their homes once a day and outdoor workers may be able to return to work from next week - however, for the majority of people, little will change.
