NPHET has recommended an end to mandatory face-mask wearing in all settings except healthcare.
It would mean the end of the legal requirement to wear masks in the likes of shops, schools and public transport.
Staff in public-facing jobs in businesses such as bars, restaurants and hairdressers would also no longer have to wear masks.
The move is expected to take effect from February 28th if approved by Government.
Health officials have recommenced those who feel they need to wear facemasks will be supported.
Dr Tony Holohan has also indicated today may have marked the last meeting of NPHET.
The group didn't set a date for a next meeting and the Chief Medical Officer indicated there would be a new way of monitoring the spread of COVID-19 from here on in.
They're set to recommend to the Health Minister that NPHET be stood down and replaced with a smaller monitoring group.
Testing and tracing will also be scaled back, with the details of such a move to be finalised.
Earlier, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan told the Dáil he personally believes it's time to end the mandatory rules around masks.
He said there should be a move from a "mandatory system towards a guidance system".
He said it "makes real sense" for people to continue wearing masks, but it's time to "unwind" the mandatory element of the rules.
The requirement to wear face coverings in certain settings has been one of the few mandatory COVID-19 restrictions still in place, following the easing of most other rules last month.
