The Government says it will discuss a potential tightening of travel restrictions with the Northern Ireland Executive before making a final decision.

The Cabinet's COVID-19 sub-committee met today, to discuss issues such as the impact of the coronavirus in nursing homes and the current situation with testing here.

However, the issue of measures in place at Ireland's airports and ports was also high on the agenda.

Last week it emerged that Keelings Fruits flew in almost 200 workers from Bulgaria last week to pick fruit here.

On Friday, the Taoiseach announced he had ordered an 'urgent review' of the current rules and procedures at Irish ports and airports amid concerns over large numbers of workers arriving here.

While anyone arriving here is currently being advised to restrict their movements for 14 days, the Government is considering whether the restrictions need to be tightened.

In a statement following today's meeting, the Government said: "The sub-committee discussed options to tighten travel restrictions at ports and airports.

"Ireland needs to find a balance which allows the airports and ports to stay open, in order to allow the movement of supplies, essential workers, and for Irish citizens to be able to return home, but which also minimises the risk of transmission of the virus, including the requirement for people arriving into Ireland to self-restrict their movements for 14 days.

"The sub-committee discussed a range of options to see whether there is a better way of achieving those objectives on travel.

"These will now be discussed further with Cabinet, and with the administration in Northern Ireland, before a final decision is made."

Earlier this month, the health departments in Belfast and Dublin pledged to strengthen co-operation on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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