Government has said the laws are needed in case there is a winter surge of Covid.
Ministers have given the go ahead to draft new laws around mandatory mask wearing in certain settings.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will look to re-enact some pandemic powers ahead of the winter.
The legislation which gave power to mask mandates and other Covid restrictions has lapsed but the Government wants to bring some parts back.
Ministers gave approval this morning to draft legislation to enforce mandatory mask wearing in certain settings.
Sources stressed there are no plans to bring back a mask mandate at the moment and no such settings have been identified.
However, they compared it to buying winter tyres for a car.
Ministers want to have the power available to bring back a mask mandate should there be a big Covid surge in the winter.
The actual laws haven't been drafted yet and as such won't be passed before the Dáil's summer recess.
However, they will be on the agenda early in the new term in September.

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case