The Health Minister says he's "absolutely convinced" the decision to move to level three coronavirus restrictions is the right one.
Stephen Donnelly has dismissed any suggestion that the Government's relationship with NPHET has been irreparably damaged.
Despite NPHET's recommendation for the country to immediately move to level five restrictions, Cabinet yesterday decided on a move to level three instead.
It means new restrictions for the entire country from midnight - including no indoor dining in bars and restaurants, fresh restrictions on social gatherings, and the closure of cultural institutions.
People are also being asked to stay within their own county.
However, the measures fall well short of the near-lockdown proposed by NPHET.
Minister Donnelly told Newstalk Breakfast that he believes NPHET did what they believed was right.
He said: "Their job is to provide the Government with the best possible public health advice - that's what they've always done, that's what they continue to do.
"It's inevitable - given the scale of the decisions that have to be made and the potential impact of the virus on people's lives, hospitals and livelihoods - that there will at times be different views taken.
"I think that's normal and probably quite healthy."
He stressed that the virus is rising, and the Government's decision to move to level three is "in an of itself" a very serious move that will impact many people.
He observed: "We have done it reluctantly, and we have done it because we can see the rise in the virus.
"What we want to avoid is a move to level four or five if at all possible... we believe the right thing to do now for the entire country is to move to level three.
"I'm absolutely convinced that it is the right decision for the country to move to level three right now."
Extra enforcement
As part of last night's announcement, the Government confirmed they will now look into increasing enforcement of the public health rules.
Minister Donnelly said the vast majority of people are complying with the rules, but data shows that those who aren't are driving transmission of the virus.
He said Cabinet has agreed to extra funding for gardaí, and that they'd like to see more inspections by the likes of the HSA.
However, he said it's also up to everyone now to have a renewed conviction to stick to the guidelines - as otherwise a 'terrible vista' will lie ahead.
NPHET has warned that it's vital hospitals do not become overwhelmed due to an increase in COVID-19 cases.
Minister Donnelly said the Government is committed to having enough space for both COVID-19 patients and other healthcare needs.
He said there were too few ICU beds before the pandemic - but the winter plan allows for more beds, and the upcoming Budget will allow for more again.
He said: "In the short-term, there is surge capacity for over 400 ICU beds - including through the private hospitals.
"Even at the height of the first wave, we didn't come close to needing to use all of our ICU capacity.
"Ultimately, as Minister for Health, what I want to see is... a substantial and permanent increase in our ICU capacity."
