Mandatory Covid vaccines for frontline health care staff could be considered, according to the Justice Minister.
Her comments come after it emerged some staff in nursing homes have refused to get the jab.
Minister Helen McEntee says making it a requirement to work in certain circumstances may have to be considered.
"I do think it's something we need to consider particularly if we're seeing high cases or high numbers of frontline staff working in hospitals and other settings refusing to take the vaccine.
"It's something that the HSE, the Department of Health and those managing our hospitals and our healthcare settings would have to look at very carefully - and I'm certain that they would do that."
Earlier today it was revealed that disability staff will be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccinations and can register online from today.
The HSE's decision affects over 23,000 workers in residential and day-care facilities.
