The Tánaiste says he's not convinced more Covid restrictions are needed - ahead of a vital NPHET meeting this morning.
Leo Varadkar says he doubts it's necessary to limit people's 'freedoms, family lives and businesses'.
NPHET will consider recommending more restrictions today, after the first Omicron case was confirmed here yesterday.
An average of nearly 4,500 Covid infections have also been confirmed over the past five days.
Dr David Nabarro, from the World Health Organisation, says he's against severe travel restrictions to tackle the new variant.