The Cabinet has approved changes to close contact isolation rules at a meeting this morning.
The new regime will come into place from Friday.
The changes mean asymptomatic close contacts who have been boosted won't have to restrict movements.
However, they will be advised to take antigen tests and wear medical-grade masks.
Non-boosted close contacts, meanwhile, will have to restrict their movements for seven days.
Under 40s who test positive on an antigen test will no longer need a confirmatory PCR test, and will instead be able to upload their antigen result online.
All confirmed COVID-19 cases will need to self-isolate for seven days, down from ten days.
However, all close contacts and confirmed cases will still be advised to limit their close contact with people outside their homes for a full 10 days.
That includes working from home "unless it is essential to attend in person".
Despite the ECDC warning that the approach isn't evidence-based, Taoiseach Micheál Martin says it's a balancing act.
He said: "It's about balance, between the pressures - as ECDC did identify - on supply chains, healthcare systems, education systems and so forth.
"You also have to factor in Ireland's high rate of vaccination compared to other countries."
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly admitted there's an element of risk to the approach, but it will free people up to return to work.
The rules are due to take effect midnight tomorrow, meaning they'll apply from Friday onwards.
