A health expert says he's concerned COVID-19 cases could get "out of control" if reopening happens too fast.
Anthony Staines says he'd favour a "more cautious" approach, especially amid concerns Ireland could see a "significant rise" in cases among children as schools reopen.
The COVID Cabinet Sub-Committed meets later today, ahead of the publication of a new roadmap for the easing of restrictions next Tuesday.
It had been expected that restrictions would be eased on a step-by-step basis across September and October.
However, NPHET has advised the Government that some significant restrictions should stay until 90% of over-16s are fully vaccinated - a goal that may not be reached until October.
Senior ministers will discuss the advice today, with the full Cabinet set to sign off on the plan early next week.
On Breakfast Briefing, Anthony Staines - Professor of Health Systems at DCU - said vaccination has "changed the outlook completely".
However, he said COVID-19 is still a serious disease that can cause significant disruption.
He said: “I think what’s going to happen now is a significant rise in cases in children. We’ve seen a number of countries where this has happened.
“In older people, there are still many cases - the majority of these cases do not end up in hospital. But if there are enough cases, enough people fall ill and enough people die to cause really quite serious health problems.
“When we get to 90% of the whole population [vaccinated], we can maybe have other conversations.”
