Exiting level 5 restrictions is top of the agenda at this morning's cabinet meeting.
The Government's preference is to move directly to level three, while its expected NPHET officials will take a more cautious approach.
The daily Covid 19 case number dropped below 300 for the first time in 2 weeks last night, with 252 cases reported, however NPHET says it wouldn't be surprised if case numbers were higher today.
Shane Beatty was joined on Breakfast Briefing by UCC Professor Gerry Killeen:
