Cabinet Ministers are meeting around now to discuss further restrictions on travel and social activity in response to the coronavirus.
The National Public Health Emergency Team met this morning and the Taoiseach and other Ministers have been arriving at government buildings in the past hour to consider the advice of medics.
A multi-billion euro social welfare package and legislation forcing a ban on rent increases and evictions will also be approved by the cabinet.
Political Correspondent Seán Defoe says this will be a significant day for the government's response to the Coronavirus:
