The Department of Health says the National Virus Reference Laboratory is testing 15 suspected cases of coronavirus.
However, there are still no confirmed cases in Ireland.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "The event of a confirmed case of coronavirus in Ireland is possible, given the increase in cases we are seeing internationally.
"Ireland has comprehensive public health and emergency plans in place and is prepared for the event of a confirmed case, should one arise."
Dr Cillian De Gascun, chair of the Coronavirus Expert Advisory Group, added: "We have not seen sustained human-to-human transmission in any other country outside China, which is a positive indicator for our containment measures.
"We will continue to monitor the spread and evolution of the virus because there is still a lot to learn, and advise the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) accordingly."
The department says Ireland is "well positioned" to detect and respond to any case that might arise.
Some 3,000 personal protection packs for GPs and clinics around the country will be received in the coming days.
Meanwhile, a third person in the UK has tested positive for coronavirus, the Department of Health there has said.
