The Cabinet will meet this afternoon to consider limits on how many people can meet in a home and a return to hospitality rules from earlier this year.

There was dark humour from some in Government today, with a senior official answering the phone with 'Merry Restrictmas'.

NPHET has recommended curbs on socialising until at least January.

That would include bringing hospitality back where it was a number of months ago - with table service only, no booking multiple tables, earlier closing times and the effective closure of nightclubs.

The Taoiseach met the hospitality sector earlier, with Restaurants Association of Ireland CEO Adrian Cummins saying supports were promised.

“The EWSS was discussed at length, a restructured CRSS scheme was looked at, at length also, and a commercial rates waiver also for the industry,” he said.

NPHET has also recommended limiting meet-ups in homes to a total of four households, and the extension of the Digital Covid Certs to access other services, possibly including gyms and hairdressers.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee says a decision will be made after a 3pm Cabinet meeting.

“We don’t want there to be speculation over the weekend,” she said,

“That in itself and caused confusion and, I think, worry for people so we want to be able to respond to NPHET as quickly as possible but obviously have the time to take on board any recommendations they may make.”

It's expected the Taoiseach will address the nation this evening to announce the changes.