Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has compared the courage needed in the coronavirus crisis to that of the men and women who fought for Irish freedom in 1916.
The Taoiseach said that he never expected that this generation would be asked to match their courage - but the current crisis has changed that.
Speaking in a national address to the country, Varadkar announced stricter measures while rallying the people of Ireland to defeat this virus.
He said: "All our resources are being deployed in this great national effort. And I know that the Irish people will continue to face this head-on, to make the changes that are required, and will pull through to the other side.
"Four years ago we commemorated the 1916 Rising and we celebrated the men and women who helped us win our freedom and our independence.
"I never believed that we would be called upon to match their courage, or their example.
"Today we are. Working together our country will come through this Emergency. We will be tested – but will succeed.
"Our greatest generation was not in the past. Better times are yet to come. Thank you."
Gatherings of more than four people in public are banned with gardaí on patrol to police the Government’s latest clampdown measures.
And almost all non-essential business and shops will formally shut from midnight.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the unprecedentedly stringent new measures to try and stop the relentless spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Meanwhile, previously announced restrictions have been extended by three weeks.
