There are lessons to be learned from messaging around wearing face coverings, according to the chair of the COVID-19 expert advisory group.
Coverings are now mandatory on public transport, with fines expected to be brought in to enforce compliance.
Department of Health figures show 45% of people say they are wearing masks when getting public transport or in shops.
Dr Cillian de Gascun accepts there has been confusion around face coverings.
Dr De Gascun says: "The messaging has not been consistent and has not been convincing and I think we absolutely need to work on that.
"There is also a behavioural element. People would have adapted to physical distancing really well, very early on.
"I think the masks are something new for Irish people that we haven't done before."
