Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he 'may seek enforcement powers' from the Oireachtas over gatherings in pubs and clubs during the coronavirus outbreak.
It comes as Health Minister Simon Harris said it's an "insult" to the efforts of doctors and nurses tackling the coronavirus outbreak that people are still gathering in large numbers in some pubs.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid has also urged pubs to "wise up quick" after videos of people crowding into them.
It's despite restrictions on mass gatherings being in place and guidelines on social distancing.
Many pubs and bars across the country have now voluntarily opted to temporarily shut their doors, amid advice that people should try to keep two metres (6.5 feet) between themselves and others.
While some venues and restaurants have been implemented measures to ensure social distancing advice is followed, others have said it's not possible given the size and nature of their venues.
A large number of pubs across the country - including some of the most popular venues in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick - announced yesterday that they'll voluntarily shut for at least two weeks.
However, reports emerged on Saturday night that significant crowds were still gathering in some areas, including Dublin's Temple Bar.
A number of countries - including France and Spain - have closed bars, restaurants and cafés in a bid to limit the spread of the virus.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said advice to limit indoor gatherings to 100 people applies to pubs.
He said: "Have asked [National Public Health Emergency Team] for further expert guidance on this. May seek enforcement powers from Dáil/Seanad."
No indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people applies to pubs & clubs. Have asked NPHET for further expert guidance on this. May seek enforcement powers from Dail/Seanad.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 15, 2020
