Cabinet no longer restricting movements as Health Minister tests negative for Covid-19
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Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has tested negative for Covid-19.
It is understood that Mr Donnelly began feeling unwell after announcing the Government's 'Living with Covid' plan earlier this afternoon.
Mr Donnelly spoke with Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, who instructed him to contact his GP and to take a Covid-19 test.
Dr Glynn then advised the Cabinet to restrict their movements, as Mr Donnelly had a number of meetings yesterday with the CMO, and had met with Cabinet this morning to sign off on the Government's medium-term Covid plan.
Mr Donnelly confirmed the negative result of his test shortly after 9pm.
Dr Glynn himself has also received a Covid-19 test, but his result has not yet been confirmed.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl earlier halted Dáil business saying due to "very serious information arising out of events today the Cabinet must now self-isolate, therefore the possibility of proceeding with business does not arise in the House."
However, a Government spokesperson has since confirmed that Cabinet members no longer need to restrict their movements.
Mr Donnelly had been due to take questions in the Dáil this evening. After the
Dáil was adjourned, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed to Labour leader Alan Kelly that the Dáil would reconvene with junior ministers filling in for Cabinet colleagues around 8pm.
Mr Kelly said: “When the Ceann Comhairle adjourned the Dáil this evening after it was announced that the Cabinet would be self-isolating, I contacted the Taoiseach to find out the reasons for the full adjournment.
Micheál Martin said they "had to be cautious" but he will continue to carry out his duties, "Within a restricted movement scenario, I'll have either zoom meetings or on the phone, and in terms of communication with people that's the continuing, I'm at my desk at work here."