More than 40,000 people are waiting for a test to be carried out for the coronavirus.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) says it is beginning to work through the backlog, when 50 test centres across the country open in the next couple of days.
However, these can be moved to other areas as required.
It is also to double the capacity in hospitals across the country and adding another 10,000 beds.
The patient, a man in the east of the country, had an underlying health condition.
The HPSC has also been informed of 121 new confirmed cases as at 1:00pm on Sunday.
There are now 906 confirmed cases of in Ireland.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is set to announce the move on Sunday.
It will hold a briefing in Dublin city centre alongside the Irish Naval Service.
The LÉ Samuel Beckett is to become operational as a testing centre.
Work has been ongoing to convert the ship as needed, according to the Defence Forces Corps of Engineers.
She also said the Government needs to step up and do more.
And she criticised "mixed messages" that were being sent out from officials.
She told On the Record: "I think we have a bit of a dilemma at this point... on the one hand it is absolutely essential that we have a sense of composure and calm - because not alone can we get through this crisis, but we will get through it.
Tributes are being paid to US country music legend Kenny Rogers, who has died at the age of 81.
The Grammy-winning star, whose career spanned six decades, "passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family", his representative said in a statement.
He is best known for a series of hits - including 'Islands in the Stream', 'Coward of the County' and 'The Gambler'.
Rogers, who also enjoyed success in partnership with Dolly Parton, had announced a farewell tour in 2015 but had continued performing until 2017.
