A Junior Minister says the Government doesn't see the need to re-introduce COVID-19 restrictions, as most people are already wearing masks.

Minister of State Ossian Smyth was speaking as organisations representing doctors and nurses have called for the re-introductions of some measures 'as a matter of urgency'.

The INMO and IAEM say hospitals are overwhelmed and staff need help.

"Public health measures must be revisited, particularly the simple ones: mask-wearing in indoor and congregated settings and working from home.

"There should be adherence to the advice from the World Health Organisation", they add.

But Minister Smyth told Pat Kenny he believes most people are already doing this.

"There's no reluctance at all.

"If it was suggested to us by our public health officials that we should bring in mandatory mask-wearing in particular areas, then we would certainly consider that very seriously.

"But that's not what the public health officials are saying to us at the moment."

Put to him that public health officials have changed their view on masks and antigen tests in the past, he says: "The advice at the moment is that if you are in a crowded indoor setting, that you should wear a mask.

"And I think that most people do.

"If we get official public health advice that mandatory mask wearing would improve significantly the situation with regards COVID, then certainly we will seriously consider it.

"It is absolutely sensible, and I think that's why most people are wearing them".