Analysis from NPHET shows that case numbers are "particularly high" in 9, 10 and 11-year-olds, according to the Minister for Health.
Stephen Donnelly said this was the reason for the recommendation for children to wear masks in primary schools from third class up.
Minister Donnelly said he hopes that following today's Cabinet meeting "there would be very clear guidance on mask wearing in schools and that there would be very clear advice for parents".
It was also agreed that adults and children should reduce their social contacts in the weeks ahead. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman for Children said that any new Covid-19 measures around children socialising must be appropriate and proportionate, as the last 18 months have already been extremely