The three coalition party leaders are meeting this evening to discuss the imposition of tighter restrictions after Christmas.
Sources have indicated that the planned introduction of tougher measures will be brought forward to a date between 26 December and 30 December.
An announcement will be made after tomorrow's Cabinet meeting. There is increasing concern about the rising number of Covid-19 cases as well as the new strain of the virus in Britain.
The leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party will discuss this later, along with the Minister for Health. Sources are indicating that "everything is under consideration" - that means more restrictions on hospitality and household visits some time after Christmas, which would be