The Taoiseach insists "nothing is set in stone" when it comes to extending level 5 restrictions.
Micheál Martin said yesterday "significant restrictions" will be in place until the end of April.
He made the revelation in an exclusive interview with the Irish Daily Mirror, which has led to the Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shortall describing the government's communication strategy as 'atrocious'.
However, today the Taoiseach says the comments he made yesterday did not necessarily mean level five measures.
He has insisted that the government will take a cautious approach when it comes to lifting restrictions.
Micheal Martin says "Nothing is set in stone. Clearly, NPHET has advised the cabinet sub-committee yesterday. We will meet again on Monday and obviously with the rollout of the vaccination programme NPHET wants us to be very careful and cautious in terms of any reopening. The emphasis and prioritisation right now is on schools.
