Taoiseach Micheál Martin is under pressure to move the country out of Level 5 restrictions and into Level 2 so the country can come out of lockdown on December 1.
Mr Martin told the Dáil his target is to move to Level 3 on December 1, however he faced calls from his own party members to ease restrictions even further for Christmas.
Level 2 restrictions would allow people travel between counties and have more people in their homes during the Christmas season – this would also mean people could travel from and to Northern Ireland to see family members.
Under Level 3, inter-county travel would still be prohibited and only two households can meet in doors.
Regulations on pubs and restaurants are also stricter under Level 3.
Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne said there should be emphasis on personal responsibility at Christmas but said if the regulations are too restrictive people will flout them.
