All St Patrick's Day events are to be cancelled.
The decision comes following a cabinet sub-committee meeting this afternoon.
The government has also approved a large financial package to respond to the spread of the Coronavirus.
A further €400m that had been allocated to Brexit funds are also being re-purposed to deal with the Covid-19.
Emergency legislation will also be brought in most likely next week with regards to sick pay.
The six-day rule is being waived for people to be able to claim it straight away and the self-employed will have access.
