Minister Eamon Ryan has said he believes the facemask mandate in schools should be lifted immediately.
NPHET has been meeting to consider making mask wearing in public places optional.
Health officials are deciding whether or not to lift the requirement to wear facemasks in schools, shops and on public transport.
Ministers believe things are heading towards a new phase of the pandemic where personal preference and responsibility take the place of legal Government mandates.
Transport Minister and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan wants to see masks gone.
It's expected NPHET advice will be given to Government this evening, with Minister Simon Harris saying they'll act quickly.
At present two options have been floated by Ministers, either removing the mask mandate early next week - or allowing the current advice to lapse as planned on February 28th.
They're waiting to see what NPHET advises this evening.
