A new Government agency is to be set up to prepare Ireland for the next global pandemic. 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will brief the Cabinet today on his plan to appoint an expert to design the new body.

Once up and running, the unit will monitor emerging health threats and test pandemic preparedness.

Other European countries have already founded such bodies and Minister Donnelly has been liaising with the World Health Organisation on the matter.

Cabinet agenda

The Cabinet will also be briefed by Media Minister Catherine Martin about the ongoing controversy at RTÉ and the broadcaster’s efforts to implement reform measures.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien will announce €75 million extra has been raised from the property tax and will be given to local councils.

Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney will talk through the details of a rebate scheme for businesses who used kerosene for heating last year.

An Taoiseach will also ask Ministers to list their policy priorities for the new Dáil term.

The Cabinet meeting will take place in at Avondale House in County Wicklow - the childhood home of Charles Stewart Parnell.

Main image: A doctor dressed in a protective suit observes a PCR Covid-19 test.