The Taoiseach has refused to give a timeline for when a decision will be made on moving the country to level five restrictions.
The cabinet sub-committee on COVID is expected to meet tomorrow afternoon to consider the situation.
A general consensus is emerging in government that they don't believe this decision can be delayed beyond the weekend.
A group of senior ministers will meet tomorrow afternoon with a full cabinet meeting possible after that.
That said Taoiseach Micheál Martin wasn't definitive earlier about when they'll make a decision.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said people can't be left in the lurch.
The government must meet urgently to decide on the public health advice, this can't wait till Monday. Clarity is needed. Any new public health restrictions must be matched with proper supports - PUP, wage subsidy, eviction ban, breaks for mortgage repayments etc #COVID__19
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) October 16, 2020
But Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says a number of questions need to be answered by NPHET first.
It is a massive decision with wide reaching consequences, and the government will have to decide whether or not to go against NPHET's advice for a second time.
