One of the busiest hospitals here has put visitor restrictions in place because of a flu outbreak. Beaumont in Dublin says it has seen an increased number of admissions of patient with influenza over the last two weeks.

In an effort to prevent the spread of the virus the hospital is appealing to the public to minimise visits - either to the A&E department or to see patients.

Visiting is being strictly confined to between 6pm and 8pm, with one per patient.

Children cannot visit at the moment and the hospital is asking anyone who has had flu symptoms to stay away unless it is an emergency.

Two hospitals in Cork are currently dealing with Swine Flu cases as well as regular influenza outbreaks.

The Mercy and Cork University Hospital also have strict visiting guidelines in place.