Minister Simon Coveney has said living with and being fully aware of Covid-19 is part of the Government's 'Be Winter Ready' campaign.
In his position as Chair of the Taskforce on Emergency Planning, Minister Coveney said as Ireland enters the second full winter living with Covid-19, the current situation is uncertain and of concern.
He said the new restrictions introduced by the Government yesterday are "considered decisions" aimed at trying to avoid more restrictions on people.
Regarding the earlier closing times for nightclubs and late bars, Minister Coveney said those establishments pose a risk factor and that it is not the job of Government to make popular decisions; rather to make them on the basis of public health to protect society.