It's too early to say if pubs will be given the go-ahead to reopen next week, according to Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) meets this morning to discuss the reopening of all pubs, as well as how to limit the number of tourists travelling into the country.
Under the Government's reopening plan, all licensed premises are due to be allowed reopen next Monday.
However, officials have raised concerns about the number of new coronavirus cases being recorded here, while publicans say they've yet to be issued with guidelines about how to safely reopen.
Speaking yesterday evening, Dr Glynn said NPHET are concerned about recent COVID-19 data - and there was still a week of data to monitor ahead of the proposed start of 'phase four'.
He said: "We're looking at the reproductive number, and you know last week that that appears to have gone at least to one - if not above one. Our reproductive rate appears to be increasing.
"Our five-day average for new reported cases is increasing. Thankfully, our hospitals and critical care units are very stable and very low levels.
"We're monitoring very closely, and will continue to do so through this week."
Reacting to the comments, Padraic Cribben from the Vintners Federation of Ireland said publicans need clarity immediately.
He said: "There's not actually a full week to go, because pubs need to order stock... they need to engage with their employees... they need to put procedures in place.
"What's going on at the minute is an absolute insult to publicans and the sector."
