The Taoiseach says he is concerned about the high number of Covid cases ahead of a decision on virus restrictions.
While it had been hoped most would be removed on Friday, officials are worried about a recent surge in case numbers.
The government is due to consider NPHET's advice on the issue tomorrow.
1,578 new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in Ireland this evening.
The Department of Health says the five-day moving average of cases has now fallen to 1,736.
Earlier today, there were 484 people with the virus in hospitals, including 73 in ICU.
The @hpscireland has today been notified of 1,578 confirmed cases of #COVID19.
As of 8am today, 484 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 73 are in ICU.— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) October 18, 2021
The Taoiseach says Covid certs could remain in place for longer than expected following the recent surge in virus cases.
Micheal Martin says some restrictions could stay in place.
"The continuation of the Covid certs is certainly an item on the agenda as is the mask-wearing and so on."
"I don't want to go into specific details of specific aspects of reopening and so on as I think that's for the government's consideration, I'm not going to preempt that at this stage."
