Public opinion has "swung hugely" towards wanting the Government to introduce rules and restrictions, according to the head of the ESRI's Behavioural Research Unit.
Speaking on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor programme, Professor Pete Lunn said that 48% of those asked in a study earlier this week if they would be in favour of more restrictions said yes, while 38% said no, and the rest said they did not know.
The data also suggests that the idea of young people taking more risks than older people "simply isn't true," he said. He said older adults are as socially active as younger people, particularly retired people.
The new data also suggests that people are now most worried about the health service, as well as their family and friends. Prof Lunn