The Taoiseach has ruled out the prospect of mandatory COVID-19 vaccines in Ireland - saying the country will stick with a "voluntary system".
Micheál Martin also said the Government hopes to get through the Omicron wave without fresh restrictions, but suggested the 8pm curfew for indoor events won't be lifted this week.
He was speaking after it emerged that NPHET is set to discuss the issue of mandatory vaccination.
Health officials are currently preparing research on the 'legal and ethical' issues around such an approach, which NPHET will then discuss.
Several European countries are planning to introduce the measure in a bid to tackle the latest wave of COVID-19.
However, Micheál Martin today said that's not the approach the Government here wants to take.
He said: “I’ve been very clear that I favour the voluntary approach to vaccination - in fact, we’ve done extraordinarily well as a country.
“I fully respect people will explore all issues… but from my perspective, we have achieved one of the highest rates in the world through a voluntary system. That’s the system we will maintain.”
He noted that 63% of the adult population has already received a booster vaccine - one of the highest rates in Europe, just behind Denmark.
He suggested that figure would be even higher, but people who've had COVID-19 can't get a vaccine or booster for three months after their infection.
The Taoiseach said there are already measures in place within the healthcare system, with unvaccinated staff being moved away from patient-facing roles.
Mr Martin also warned we're still not at the peak of the current Omicron wave - suggesting that could still be a week or two away.
He said more time is needed to see the full impact on ICUs, but for now he's confident further restrictions can be avoided.
There have been growing calls from within the hospitality for the 8pm closing time for the sector to be lifted or eased as soon as possible.
However, Mr Martin today said lifting that restriction won't be discussed at this week's Cabinet meeting.
