The Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin says he doesn't believe pubs should open at all on St Patrick's Day on Tuesday due to the coronavirus outbreak.
He was speaking amid the reports that large crowds had gathered in a small number of bars and pubs last night, despite public health advice on social distancing.
An increasing number of pubs across the country have announced they are closing voluntarily, but groups representing publicans are meeting the Government later today to seek clear advice for all their members.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar earlier today said the advice to limit indoor gatherings to 100 people applies to pubs and clubs, and noted that he may seek enforcement powers from the Dáil and Seanad to ensure the advice is followed.
However, speaking on Newstalk's On The Record this afternoon, the Fianna Fáil leader said he believes clear instruction to pubs should be sufficient for now.
He said: “In my view, a recommendation from Government would suffice in the short term - I think most pubs would close - if not all pubs - if there was a clear instruction to close.
“I get the sense there’s a general desire to close pubs in order to go with the spirit of delaying the spread of the virus."
He said he believes pubs should not open at all on St Patrick’s Day, and that there would be a lot of "upset" if pubs didn't follow any clear advice to close.
A message to those in our pubs and restaurants who are ignoring #COVIDー19 recommendations on social distancing. You may think you’re fit and healthy and unstoppable, but you’re jeopardising people who aren’t. Please think of them and follow the advice. We can beat this together.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 14, 2020
Deputy Martin said if enforcement powers are needed then that can be done.
However, he suggested: "In my view if a clear message went out in the next 24 hours that would be adhered to.
"[Publicans are] mindful as well there’s a risk to their staff from large numbers coming in, coughing and sneezing and so on."
He said if the the communication around social distancing didn’t get through to people when initially announced, then it needs to get through now.
The Fianna Fáil leader said one of the main impacts of the widespread wearing of face masks in parts of China and elsewhere was to emphasise a sense of urgency in the public.
He believes the closure of pubs - including a clear announcement to that effect - could have that same impact here in Ireland.
'Think outside the box'
Elsewhere, the Fianna Fáil leader said authorities will need to "think outside the box" due to the impact of the current situation - including on how to support those involved in healthcare contact tracing efforts.
Deputy Martin observed: "There will be many people laid off in the hospitality sector in the coming weeks.
"Can we retrain quickly? Can we use people who may not be able to pursue their employment in one area for the moment... can we redeploy in terms of supporting health officials?"
He stressed that it's also important that there's now more widespread localised testing for the virus in communities across the country.
In terms of the ongoing government formation efforts, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are beginning more detailed discussions on a potential coalition.
Deputy Martin said the most urgent concern will be ensuring there's a government in pace to agree to the long-term the COVID-19 response.
He said a majority government should be formed - not just a short-term one, but one that will be in place for a full term.
Responding to reports that the Green Party may rule out entering a FF/FG coalition, he said he wouldn't be drawn on commenting directly on any decision by the Greens before they make it themselves.
However, he said: "There are others in the Dáil - a very large number of people - who I think would be committed to forming a government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, if that was the option which was to emerge."
