Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has tested positive for Covid-19, his spokesman has confirmed.
The Donegal representative has displayed no symptoms and is self-isolating for a period of time and following all public health guidelines.
In line with public health advice, all Ministers are restricting their movements while awaiting a Covid test and result.
The news comes after the Cabinet met on Tuesday to agree new coronavirus restrictions following a sharp rise in cases in recent days.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the restrictions in a televised address from the steps of Government Buildings after Ministers approved the measures.
This morning Mr Martin said infectious diseases experts told him it was “inconceivable” that a new and more infectious strain of Covid-19 was not already in Ireland.
Mr Martin said the new strain was likely a “key factor” in the recent surge of infections across the country.
