Emergency powers introduced to slow the spread of Covid-19 will expire at midnight.
The Health Act has given the Health Minister the power to restrict travel, prevent gatherings and close premises for the past two years.
The lapsing legislation would also be needed for a mandate on mask-wearing to be reintroduced, something the government has ruled out.Most restrictions have now been lifted, however, the advice remains to wear a mask on public transport and in health settings.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation want a mandate reintroduced to help ease pressure on hospitals, as cases continue to rise in these setting leading to mounting pressure on other departments.
General Secretary of the INMO, Phil Ní Sheaghdha says the overcrowding crisis in hospitals means it's never too late to bring it back.
"Asking people to wear masks is not working as we see even in Emergency Departments and waiting rooms that not everyone is wearing masks.
"It is really important that the numbers who are attending the hospital when they get there, they have the service they need and they don't get sicker by attending.
"There is now widespread infection within hospital buildings across the country," Ní Sheaghdha said.
As of 8 o'clock last night there were 66 people with the virus being treated at UHW - an increase of 7 in the space of 24 hrs.
However, there is nobody being treated in intensive care at the moment at the local hospital.
