Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he 'may seek enforcement powers' from the Oireachtas over gatherings in pubs and clubs during the coronavirus outbreak.
It comes as Health Minister Simon Harris said it's an "insult" to the efforts of doctors and nurses tackling the coronavirus outbreak that people are still gathering in large numbers in some pubs.
It's despite restrictions on mass gatherings being in place and guidelines on social distancing.
Many pubs and bars across the country have now voluntarily opted to temporarily shut their doors, amid advice that people should try to keep two metres (6.5 feet) between themselves and others.
While some venues and restaurants have been implemented measures to ensure social distancing advice is followed, others have said it's not possible given the size and nature of their venues.
A large number of pubs across the country - including some of the most popular venues in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick - announced yesterday that they'll voluntarily shut for at least two weeks.
However, reports emerged on Saturday night that significant crowds were still gathering in some areas, including Dublin's Temple Bar.
Paul Reid, the head of the HSE, says a small number of bars and people "have been reckless", saying: "To that minority, cop on, get your act together, and comply with the advice."
Unfortunately this is no longer a weekend of National celebration but one of a National Health Crisis. The public have been great to date. Some bars and people have been reckless though. To that minority, cop on, get your act together and comply with the advice @HSELive
— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) March 15, 2020
A number of countries - including France and Spain - have closed bars, restaurants and cafés in a bid to limit the spread of the virus.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said advice to limit indoor gatherings to 100 people applies to pubs.
He said: "Have asked [National Public Health Emergency Team] for further expert guidance on this. May seek enforcement powers from Dáil/Seanad."
People who have been out this weekend should avoid physical contact with seniors or people with chronic diseases. You could make them very very sick.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 15, 2020
Meanwhile, groups representing pub owners say they'll be seeking clarity on advice for their members at a meeting in Government Buildings later today.
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland says it's looking for "clear and unambiguous instructions".
The Licensed Vintners Association said many pubs had taken the responsible decision by voluntarily closing or implementing strict social distancing measures, acknowledging the situation is "unworkable" for many venues.
However, they said reports indicated a small number of pubs have flouted the advice - adding that any such behaviour is 'seriously irresponsible and completely unacceptable'.
'Insult to doctors and nurses'
In a tweet last night, Health Minister Simon Harris said crowds gathering in confined spaces was an "insult" in the efforts of healthcare workers.
He said: "Not far from here, nurses & doctors are working to prepare for the impact of a global pandemic. Everyone is working 24/7.
"This is an insult to their efforts. There is very clear public health advice. Follow it."
He noted that all options were being kept under "constant review".
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said people who were ignoring the public health advice were "jeopardising" people who weren't fit and healthy.
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
In a further statement on Sunday morning, Deputy Martin said: "The advice on what each of us needs to do is clear - we all need to follow that advice - not just for our own health, but for the benefit of all those around us.
"Each one of us needs to think of vulnerable people in our midst and ask ourselves what we can do to help them through this."
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald urged people to stay at home and keep all contact to a minimum, adding: "So no parties, no gigs, no pubs, no clubs."
Today we had a second #coronavirus death. The virus is here and spreading. This is a public health emergency. It is important to stay at home and keep all contact to a minimum. So no parties, no gigs, no pubs, no clubs.Stay home. Stay apart from people. Stay in touch with people.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) March 14, 2020
Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said authorities are still reports of busy pubs and bars, and he again urged people to reduce unnecessary social activity wherever possible.
However, he praised some restaurants and bars for coming up with innovative ways of implementing social distancing - and he stressed people can still go outside once the health advice is observed.
The topic '#CloseThePubs' was one of the most popular trending topics on Twitter in Ireland last night.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland welcomed the statements from political leaders, saying it's ready for any "lockdown when it happens" and will support it to protect staff and customers.
Most sporting events and gatherings have been called off this weekend in a bid to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
39 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland last night.
One more person has also died - a male in the east of the country with an underlying medical condition.
There are now 129 confirmed cases here and two deaths.
