The Taoiseach says NPHET is recommending more coronavirus restrictions be put in place before the end of the year.
The country's top public health officials met today, amid growing concern at the spread of the virus.
484 new cases of the virus have been confirmed today, along with three additional deaths.
Restrictions are due to be eased tomorrow until January 6th, allowing people to travel throughout Ireland and three households to mix.
Micheál Martin told RTÉ News people will still have a 'meaningful Christmas', but stricter measures are now possible before New Year's Eve.
That means the period of eased restrictions for the Christmas period would be shortened.
The recommended restrictions would be around the hospitality sector and household visits.
The Government is due to make a full decision when it meets next Tuesday, Mr Martin said.
New cases
Today's figures show 150 of the new cases were in Dublin, 45 in Wexford, 40 in Cork, 32 in Donegal, 29 in Limerick, and the remaining 188 cases spread across 20 other counties.
The 14-day incidence rate has now jumped to 94 per 100,000 population.
As of this afternoon, there were 200 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, including 31 in intensive care.
It comes amid concerns over rising numbers of cases across all age cohorts.
The reproductive rate of COVID-19 in Ireland has risen to between 1.1 and 1.3, with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly today describing the situation as "precarious".
