The number of Covid-19 patients in the country's hospitals has reached a three-week low.
There are 665 people being treated for the disease in 29 facilities around the country.
The HSE is now finalising plans to increase its non-Covid care and treat patients in private hospitals.
It comes amid warnings of a potential surge in hospital waiting lists in the months ahead.
Health Minister Simon Harris says private hospital capacity will be important:
"Let's try and use the extra capacity we have to absolutely make sure we can look after people with Covid and be prepared for any potential surge that might come or a second wave - we have got to be prepared for that," he said.
"But let's also see if we can provide non-Covid care as well because I am concerned about some of the things I am hearing about GP attendances being down so much and I know GPs are concerned about that too.."
