Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said the current Covid restrictions on the hospitality sector could be lifted sooner than expected.
The news comes after the National Public Health Emergency Team's meeting on Thursday to discuss the current data on Covid-19 and the possible easing of measures.
The Government has remained optimistic in recent days over Ireland's current Covid situation, with the Taoiseach saying restrictions were due to remain until the end of January, but believes this could change.
NPHET is expected to recommend that the 8pm curfew on pubs and restaurants be lifted along with greater numbers to be allowed to attend outdoor sporting events, weddings, and cultural events.
Mr Martin has said he will give "clear and comprehensive statement" on Friday about the next phase of Ireland's reopening plan.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, he said: "The situation is positive. We have come through Omicron better than we might have expected prior to Christmas.
"The combination of the booster campaign and vaccination and the fact that Omicron does not seem to be as virulent as Delta and previous waves has meant that the impact on people, in terms of severe illness and death and ICUs, has been much less. So, therefore, I think people can be positive. We can be positive.
"I thank the people of Ireland for how they have adapted so that we were able to control Omicron. I think we are entering a new phase. We intend now to live with Covid over the next while because it isn't going away.
"It's very possible change will happen next week. The original restrictions were there till the end of the month. We may now go before that.
"I do want to allow Nphet to meet today, but yes, I think we can look forward to an earlier lifting of restrictions than we might have anticipated."
However, some restrictions, such as mask-wearing, are expected to remain for some time.
Mr Martin said: "There are some areas we want to keep - there could be another chapter in Covid yet, and we need to be mindful that the pandemic is not over. Mask wearing will be an important feature. [What we're seeing in the UK] is a long way away yet."
