The planned re-opening of nightclubs and other sectors can go ahead on Friday with Digital COVID Certs in place.
Capacity limits on weddings and other religious services will lift on Friday.
However all other restrictions around weddings will remain in place.
Pub and restaurant opening hours will return to normal, but limits will remain.
Up to 10 adults will be allowed at a table when dining indoors - increasing to 15 if there are children.
While vaccine passports will not be required for outdoor events, and capacity limits on indoor and outdoor events have been lifted.
A booster vaccine campaign for over-60s will also start immediately.
Taoiseach Michael Martin says the Government has to take account of the relevant public health statistics in making its decision.
"We have seen a worsening of the situation - the number of new infections, the number of people requiring hospital admission and the number of patients in ICU have all increased.
"These figures are a cause of concern.
"They're also a timely reminder of how dangerous this virus remains, and the need for ongoing vigilance as we work to protect the very significant progress that we have made together as a nation".
From October 22nd:
- There is a requirement for COVID-19 Digital Certificate (or a recovery certificate) for indoor hospitality and events
- Social distancing remains in place
- Face masks still must be worn, but can be removed for eating food or drinking alcohol
- There will be table service only in hospitality settings - with a maximum of 10 adults per table, or 15 including children
- The collection of contact tracing data will continue
- Indoor live music, drama, live entertainment and sporting events audience/spectators should be fully seated (standing is permitted at your seat)
- Specific sectoral guidance will be issued for nightclubs - this will involve COVID-19 Certs, contact tracing and wearing of facemasks except when eating, drinking and dancing
- COVID-19 passes and fixed capacity limits will not apply for outdoor events
While the Government says organisers of indoor and outdoor group activities should ensure "appropriate protective measures" are in place.
Where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of six should apply.
Fixed capacity limits will also not apply to these indoor and outdoor group activities.
Religious services and weddings can proceed without capacity limits - but with all other protective measures remaining in place.
And the return to workplaces can continue on a phased basis.
The extension of rules around mask wearing, social distancing and COVID Certs is to remain in place until February next year.
However legislation will be required to do this.
