The HSE says the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in Ireland could be in less than two weeks.
It is predicting the number of cases here could reach its height between April 10th and April 14th.
The HSE held a COVID-19 media briefing at Citywest Hotel and Conference Centre in Dublin today, revealing that the venue will be turned into an isolation and step-down facility.
So far, more than 2,400 people have tested positive in the Republic, while 36 people who contracted the virus have died.
Meanwhile, it was also confirmed today that more than 2,000 extra beds will be made available to the health service from private hospitals.
The leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan said this should mark an opportunity to have a fully public health system in Ireland.
Speaking on Newstalk's On the Record, he said: "I think we should be moving towards a system where we just have a public system, and we should make sure we use this time of crisis to be able to switch to that.
"All the parties in the Dáil have agreed on the Sláintecare process which is towards that goal.
Mr Ryan also reiterated his call for a government of national unity to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
He believes there are two main priorities that can unite all parties.
He said: "Firstly, it is resourcing our health service, it's really making sure that our health service is able to cope, giving everything we can to flatten that curve, to make sure that we minimise the number of people that die
"We are all agreed on that, there's no one has a different view.
"Secondly, and this is critical, to make sure that with our economy, that the damage done is minimal, and again I don't feel that divides along the traditional political lines."
Mr Ryan also stated he could work with the likes of Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin.
He said: "When I look across the floor I think these are capable people and could we work together collectively?
"I think we could, and that's what inspires me to think it's possible for a period of six months, just to get through the height of the crisis."
