The Government has delayed the introduction of PCR and antigen testing for air and sea passengers arriving into Ireland by 48 hours.
The measure was due to come into force today, however an Aer Lingus spokesperson told RTÉ News that they were informed last night by the Government that the regulations will be delayed until Sunday.
The Government delayed the testing requirement in order to allow passengers and carriers to prepare for the measure.
A senior Government source said this would give more time, for example, for passengers to get a PCR test and result before travelling into Ireland.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is expected to recommend that a limit be placed on household gatherings, and further restrictions be imposed on the hospitality sector, when it submits its proposals to the Government later today.
The anticipated recommendation will be contained in a letter from Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, to the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who will then update Cabinet and ministers will decide whether to adopt them.
As the National Public Health Emergency Team met yesterday, the CMO Dr Tony Holohan issued a statement in which he warned that while recent progress reducing Covid-19 transmission was "very welcome" but "the level of disease in the community is still a concern".
It is believed that concern has led NPHET to consider recommending the reduction of socialising in the run-up to Christmas - including limiting household gatherings to the host family plus three other households.
It is understood NPHET was also examining placing further limitations on hospitality - including table service; multiple table bookings being discontinued; the number of people allowed at any one table being limited to six people; and further limits on opening times.
A proposal to further extend the use of Covid certs to other areas beyond hospitality - a plan rejected by Government rejected a few weeks ago - is also believed to be a preferred option.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar gave a clear signal yesterday that if further restrictions were to be imposed on the hospitality sector, then the Government would respond speedily with financial supports. He also mentioned other affected sectors like aviation, tourism and live entertainment.
Meanwhile, the Health Amendment Bill - which includes a return of Mandatory Hotel Quarantine - passed all stages in the Dáil last night and is expected to clear the Seanad before lunchtime today.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told the Dáil last night that he recognised this was an "extraordinary measure" but contended it was warranted on the basis that the proposal was both targeted and time limited.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called for clarity and better communication from the Government over possible future Covid-19 restrictions.
Ms McDonald, who is in the US this week, said that the current process was once again marked by uncertainty and a lack of consultation.
"We need clarity. All of us know this is a difficult situation but the Government cannot give half information or last-minute information to the general public," she said.
"People have been through a lot already. We're now on the brow of Christmas and people need to have a sense of purpose and direction. A plan and good communications from government have been sorely lacking thus far," she added.
The Sinn Féin leader also said it was alarming and unacceptable that the Government seemed to be prepared to introduce more restrictions without offering supports for workers who would be affected by the measures.
She was speaking to reporters in New York where she delivered an address on Brexit to the New York City Bar Association.
