Almost 1 in 4 close contacts are testing positive for Covid-19 since testing resumed at the end of last month, according to the Taoiseach.
Micheal Martin told his party last night it compares to a positivity rate of 11 per cent previously, and demonstrates the impact of the UK variant.
He also indicated to members the country's to remain in a "prolonged" period of restrictions to get numbers to a very low level.
Calls are also being made for a review of Ireland's decision not to give the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to over 70s.
It's after the World Health Organisation yesterday recommended the jab be used for everyone over 18.
Ireland has chosen to use the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for over 70s, due to a lack of data on AstraZeneca's.
But Paddy Connolly from Age Action says that decision should be reconsidered.
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