The Latest Breaking News from Leo Varadkar

During a visit to Dublin Zoo, the Tánaiste said: 'It's a concern for the next couple of months, particularly if Russia cut off gas supplies to Europe'

Last week, there were chaotic scenes at security gates in Ireland's largest airports, with hundreds of people missing their flights as a result.

The Tanaiste confirmed the government would not be mandating any new public health restrictions including masks

The spike in cases is leading to further discussions about whether further restrictions are warranted here

As of 8am, there were 1,466 Covid-19 patients in hospital, up 41 on the same time on Thursday morning

The new measures could be brought in after both public and private sectors reported severe staff shortages due to employees being absent with Covid related illnesses

The Dail bar has become the first hospitality venue in Ireland to reintroduce rules around visitor numbers and face covering. It comes just days after Tanaiste Leo Varadkar doubled-down on the Government’s pledge not to bring back Covid measures.

As of 8am today, 1,466 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 55 are in ICU

The Tanaiste has been forced to cancel a number of engagements he was due to undertake as a result, including an appearance in Cork this morning

53 people are receiving treatment in ICUs across Ireland

“We don’t want to be turning on and off restrictions"