It's understood that NPHET is recommending that many of the remaining COVID-19 related restrictions could be lifted in as little as six weeks' time.
Following a meeting yesterday, it's believed that public health officials will recommend a "personal responsibility" model when it issues its advice to Government.
Ministers will make a final decision in the coming days.
It's expected that rising rates of vaccination will present the Government with more options, as it prepares to publish its updated roadmap for reopening early next week.
NPHET’s advice could clear the way for ministers to loosen restrictions on a phased basis during September and into October.
There has been particular pressure on the Government in recent weeks to allow the live events sector to reopen.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly yesterday indicated we are likely to see the end of vaccine certs being required for indoor dining in pubs and restaurants.
He also said some measures will be able to be eased quickly, but others will need to wait until after the peak of the Delta wave of infections - which is now expected in mid to late September.
Daniel McConnell, political editor with The Irish Examiner, told Newstalk Breakfast NPHET has concluded there is no major impediments to reopening - other than the continued rollout of the vaccine programme.
He said: "Obviously the main prioritising in the first instance is to get 1.5 million people back to school and college - that's pupils, students, all teachers and campus staff. That's a major priority for Government.
"What will also be included in this [Government] plan now is specific timelines as to when all remaining timelines can return - that's everything from live entertainment to indoor sport to a fuller return to hospitality - in the coming weeks and months.
"What is clear is that NPHET will push for some of the more contentious elements of this to be left until that vaccine threshold of over 90% has been met - that's likely to not happen until October."
He says there won't be one big 'freedom day' like in the UK, but restrictions will instead be eased on a step-by-step basis.
He added that the live entertainment is expected to get a 'reprieve' under the Government's upcoming roadmap, but the likes of nightclubs are likely to be among the last things to reopen.
New cases
Yesterday, the Department of Health reported 2,051 new cases of COVID-19, as well as 18 further deaths relating to the virus in the past week.
Around 91% of adults have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while around 86% are now fully vaccinated.
Dr Eoghan de Barra, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and a Senior Lecturer in RCSI, says the risks to vulnerable groups will still need to be managed as restrictions are eased.
He said: “It does mean there are still going to be some people that will sick, and there will still be pressure on healthcare.
“There are still some vulnerable groups who are going to be vulnerable to the high circulating groups of COVID.
“Unfortunately, there are going to be certain groups who are not going to be able to move as freely through society as everyone else.”
Dr de Barra suggested a ‘step-wise’ approach should be taken to easing remaining restrictions, rather than moving immediately to lots of large-scale events.
A number of health officials have said public health measures such as mask-wearing are likely to still be needed for the foreseeable future, even as restrictions are eased.
Senior ministers are due to meet tomorrow to discuss NPHET's recommendation, ahead of a full Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
