Entire Irish cabinet self-isolates and Parliament is suspended after the country’s health minister fell ill with coronavirus symptoms
- Speaker Sean O Fearghail announced today that Stephen Donnelly was unwell
- He said the house would likely be adjourned until Tuesday next week as a result
- ‘The possibility of proceeding with business does not arise’, members were told
The entire Irish cabinet is self-isolating and Parliament has been suspended after the country’s health minister reported having coronavirus symptoms.
Ceann Comhairle (speaker) Sean O Fearghail made the announcement in the Dail (parliament) today that Stephen Donnelly had fallen ill and that ministers would therefore be restricting their movements.
He said: ‘I have very serious information. I’m told that arising out of events today, the Cabinet must now self-isolate.
Irish health minister Stephen Donnelly has come down with coronavirus symptoms, meaning the country’s entire cabinet is now self-isolating
‘Therefore the possibility of proceeding with business does not arise and the house stands adjourned, I suspect, until Tuesday next.
‘Or until I’m directed by the Taoiseach to reconvene the house. So Dail adjourned until further notice.’