There is no need to stockpile medicines to prepare for a no deal Brexit, according to the Government.

Cabinet ministers met earlier to make plans ahead of the key 'meaningful vote' in the House of Commons this evening, which is widely expected to be rejected by MPs.

Ministers have revealed memorandums of understanding have been reached with the British government on a number of issues including keeping the Common Travel Area.

Irish citizens in the UK and British citizens here are being told they do not need to take any action to protect their status and rights.

Most of the first few months of the Dáil year, meanwhile, will be taken up by a Brexit 'mega bill' if it looks like no deal is on the cards.

The bill would include 17 sections - focused on everything from energy to railway safety and data protection.

In transport, the Government says there's extra capacity on ferries for Irish goods to skip the UK land bridge to Europe.

The Minister for Transport also says anticipated disruption to flights if the UK crashes out will not materialise - with the EU proposing "temporary mitigation measures" to avoid air traffic stopping.

Elsewhere, hospitals, pharmacists and patients are being urged to not order extra quantities of medicines, as that could disrupt stock levels.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney said: "While all eyes are on the House of Commons tonight, it is important the Government’s planning continues for all outcomes, including no deal.

"A no deal Brexit will have a significant impact on Ireland – these measures being taken by the Government are designed to limit the damage. It remains our view that the only way to secure an orderly withdrawal is to ratify the withdrawal agreement."

He added that he'll meet with opposition leaders to discuss planning for no deal.

He noted there'll potentially be a need for 'special procedures' to ensure any necessary legislation makes it through the Oireachtas in time if it looks like the UK is heading for a hard Brexit.

Reporting by Sean Defoe and Stephen McNeice