The Dáil would sit only one day per week during January under new proposals to tackle the pandemic.
It is proposed by the Ceann Comhairle and the Dáil clerk that TDs gather only on Wednesdays for a maximum of six hours from next week.
Sittings would only take place in the Convention Centre and would be limited to 45 members unless legislation is being considered.
Also, no Oireachtas committees would be allowed where members are physically present.
The plans would not allow topical issues or private members' business.
The proposals are likely to be contentious and have to be agreed by the Dáil Business committee.
They have been criticised by a leading Sinn Féin TD, who said they are "not on".
Pearse Doherty, the party's finance spokesperson, said Sinn Féin will "facilitate restricted numbers and other reasonable measures".
However, he said that "to suggest that the parliament sits for a half day per week in the middle of a national emergency is not on."
The party has rejected the proposal.
The Dáil's Business Committee is due to discuss the Dáil schedule when it meets tomorrow.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said that he will oppose the proposal to sit one day a week on the basis that the Taoiseach and key Ministers have to be available to be questioned.
He said at this time when the Government is taking huge decisions, there had to be accountability.
Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats said it is important that a balance is struck on the matter.
She said the Dáil needed to conduct essential business, including holding the Government to account, but there was also a requirement to limit contacts, on account of Covid-19, including for Oireachtas staff.
Labour's Duncan Smith said a reduced schedule for a short period is prudent on public health grounds, but the Government had to be held to account as well.
He said it was hoped the fine details of that could be agreed tomorrow.
Additional reporting by Paul Cunningham
