''Common sense has prevailed''.
The Dublin St Patrick's Day parade is to be called off after a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on the Coronavirus.
Opposition leaders are being briefed this afternoon on the state of play when it comes to managing the virus.
Employers groups will also be briefed later on sick pay for those who are forced to self-isolate because of COVID-19.
Christy Burke, the Former Lord Mayor of Dublin has welcomed the cancellation of the parade in the capital.
''Common sense has prevailed and i'm sure there'll be a great sigh of relief today,'' he said.
''We can always have the parade later on in the year, t's not about profits it';s about people, it's about their health and well being.''
Meanwhile Cork city's St Patrick's Day parade has already been called off.
The Taoiseach has also cut short his annual trip to the US to stay in Ireland tomorrow before traveling to the White House on Wednesday.
