The Toaiseach said the "high numbers" of Covid-19 were a concern and that people, in particular those who are not vaccinated, were ending up in hospital.
Micheál Martin said that Covid-19 "remains a significant disruptive influence in our society, in the workplace and in hospitals in particular." As of 8am, there were 1,035 people in hospital with the virus, down 20 on the same time yesterday.
Of these, there were 40 people in intensive care units with Covid-19. Yesterday,Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that three out of four patients in hospital with Covid-19 now are over 65 years of age and that only around half have had the second booster.
Mr Martin also said the National Immunisation Advisory Committee would advise the Government "in a timely manner in respect of a second booster dose for the under 65s." "Vaccination as we know is the key determinant in how well we come through this," Mr Martin said. Latest coronavirus stories European health agencies have said that a second Covid-19 booster be considered for people aged between 60 and 79 years, as well as those with medical conditions putting them at high risk of severe disease.