The Green Party leader and Minister for the Climate Eamon Ryan has tested positive for Covid-19 and has had to cancel his plans to travel to the COP26 conference in Glasgow.
Minister Ryan is not experiencing symptoms of the virus and discovered he was positive after taking a precautionary PCR test yesterday before attending COP26 on the advice of the conference organisers.
He is now self-isolating and had advised the HSE of his close contacts, including those he encountered 24 hours before the test.
The Taoiseach, who was not officially deemed a close contact of Minister Ryan, has tested negative for Covid-19, following an antigen test this evening.
Micheál Martin also tested negative earlier this week after taking a PCR test on return from COP26.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has also tested negative for the virus after taking an antigen test.
A spokesperson for Mr Varadkar said he has been "advised that he does not need to restrict his movements and can continue working as normal, in line with public health advice".
It's understood the wider cabinet are not deemed close contacts of Minister Ryan.
The rest of the delegation due to attend the conference will continue with their travel plans.
Additional reporting Mary Regan
