Senior civil servants will meet tomorrow ahead of NPHET's review on Thursday of mask wearing requirements in schools and other settings.
Masks are still mandatory in schools, in both retail and health settings, and on public transport until the end of the month.
There are indications politically that NPHET could recommend ending the need to wear masks in schools. One factor likely to influence its thinking is the fact that most children aged over five years have now had the opportunity to be vaccinated.
In Leinster House today, politicians said they will support the public health advice on this issue, but People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy urged caution.