The Tánaiste says he's not convinced more Covid restrictions are needed - ahead of a vital NPHET meeting this morning.
Leo Varadkar says he doubts it's necessary to limit people's 'freedoms, family lives and businesses'.
NPHET will consider recommending more restrictions today, after the first Omicron case was confirmed here yesterday.
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An average of nearly 4,500 Covid infections have also been confirmed over the past five days.
Many Irish people in South Africa have cancelled their plans to return to Ireland for Christmas, due to the home quarantine rule.
Breda Kenealy, from the Irish South African Association, says the 10-day self-isolation period is very unfair.
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It applies to people arriving here from seven southern African counties.
