Pubs won't be allowed reopen from Monday
Around 3,500 bars that don't serve food were due to open on August 31st. However the National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended they remain closed.
Meanwhile, ministers are to discuss making gatherings of more than six people indoors a criminal offence.
Gardaí will be given the power to shut a bar or house party down on-the-spot for breaching Covid-19 rules.
The proposed new legislation is part of further measures to tackle the spread of the virus, that were announced last week.
