A meeting last night between the Government party leaders and leading figures from the National Public Health Emergency Team was described as constructive.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and Professor Philip Nolan provided an update on the prevalence of the Omicron variant in Ireland.
The prevailing political mood following this meeting was one of calm amid a growing expectation that NPHET will this week urge people to act cautiously this Christmas.
There is a sense that personal responsibility around reducing social contacts and avoiding large crowds will be emphasised. This is amid a clear political desire to avoid the introduction of major restrictions ahead of the festive period.