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HEALTH Minister Stephen Donnelly tested negative for Covid-19.
This comes after cabinet ministers were told to restrict his movements while Donnelly was being screened for Covid-19.
The Dáil was also withdrawn Tuesday night after being dramatically suspended for the week by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, who said the entire cabinet had to isolate itself.
The news of Donnelly’s negative test means that cabinet ministers are no longer required to restrict his movements. They were previously told to do so on the advice of the acting medical director, Dr. Ronan Glynn, who was restricting their movements in light of Mr. Donnelly’s symptoms.
A government source said the move was taken out of “great caution.”
Donnelly felt ill at the beginning of this morning’s Cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle and requested a test for the virus after discussions with Acting Medical Director Dr. Ronan Glynn.
A government spokesman said: “The minister contacted his GP and they referred him for a Covid-19 test. He went home and will restrict his movements.”
“Communication has gone to all the ministers to restrict their movements pending the outcome of that test,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin told Six-One News.
The CMO had used the phrase “great caution” when giving his advice, he said. The Whip Chief had informed the Ceann Comhairle and suspended the Dáil, he said.
But the Dáil returned because “we believe that the Ministers of State can take up certain issues and represent the Government.”
The cabinet was being cautious because there were a number of meetings that Stephen Donnelly attended yesterday, including as he briefed the entire cabinet on today’s plan.
Previously, Mr. Martin stressed that he would continue to work, via Zoom and by phone. “I’ll be at my desk.”
Cabinet ministers were surprised by the announcement Tuesday afternoon. It was previously known that Green Party leader Eamon Ryan was restricting his movements while one of his family was being tested for the virus, while Prime Minister Thomas Byrne also isolated himself.
A spokesperson for Donnelly said: “The Health Minister began to feel unwell this afternoon. He contacted his GP and was referred for a Covid-19 test. According to public health guidelines, he is now self-isolating.”
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