FFP3 and FFP2 masks are recommended.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) says higher-grade face masks may offer more protection to people at greater risk of getting Covid-19.
NPHET has advised that people can choose to wear FFP3 and the slightly lower-grade FFP2 respirator or medical masks instead of cloth masks.
It says FFP2 masks should be considered by anyone who's a confirmed case, a household contact or visiting a vulnerable person.
But it's stopped short of recommending them to everyone ahead of cloth masks.
The State’s use of the higher-grade masks lags other countries such as Germany, Austria and Italy, that have introduced the use of FFP2 or equivalent masks in public spaces.
Paul Moynagh, Professor of Immunology at Maynooth University, says there's clear evidence they're a better option:

Legislation To Establish First All-Ireland University To Be Brought To Cabinet Next Week
Latest Report Shows 227 Adults Faced Homelessness In Kildare
Three Groups In Kildare To Receive Funding for Water Quality Improvements
Kildare To See Good Weather For The Weekend, As Temperatures Could Reach 21 Degrees
Ireland Meets EU Air Pollution Targets
Meta Reportedly Set To Cut 10% Of Global Workforce
Nearly One In Three Women Face Barriers To Free Contraception Scheme
David Mongey Appointed Chair of Irish National Stud Board