The contract to run a mandatory hotel quarantine system is set to be signed this week with a view to having facilities up and running the following week.
RTÉ News understands that it is likely the contract will be awarded to a single hotel group.
That group will then provide everything from accommodation and food to security and transport and the procurement of tests.
It is understood that up to six hotel buildings in the greater Dublin area could be used to cater for arrivals from 33 countries and those who come into the State without a negative Covid-19 test.
It is expected though that not that all six hotels will be used at any one time.
While the exact details are still being worked out, the Defence Forces will play a role in the administration of the system, with a particular emphasis on information technology.
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Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is likely to update the Cabinet tomorrow on the overall plan.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has said he expects contracts to be signed in the coming days.
Speaking at the launch of his Department's three-year strategy, Minister Harris said the service will be up and running this month.
Mr Harris said passing the Health Amendment Act was a major milestone and signing contracts will be the next concrete step.
He said that the Minister for Health has indicated that he intends on signing these contracts in the coming days.
The Labour Party and the Social Democrats have repeated calls for more countries to be added to the list of 33.
