The Dáil's Health Committee has been briefed about the preparations that are in place to deal with any threat from Ebola here.

Speaking to Newstalk after the hearing, Health Minister Leo Varadkar explained that "we now need to step up the extent to which we are prepared", despite the low risk of an Ebola infection in Ireland:

Minister Varadkar and the HSE's Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan earlier addressed TDs and Senators on how the health service could deal with a potential outbreak.

There are plans in place to double the number of isolation beds available in the country should we get a case of Ebola here.

Mr Holohan says the HSE is preparing a plan to have 24 beds available to deal with any potential cases.

He told the Health Committee 14 people have been tested in this country for symptoms of Ebola, and all have come back negative.

Minister Varadkar stated that Ireland is to step up its preparations to deal with any threat from Ebola here.

The Health Minister emphasised he understands the concerns of some health care workers about the spread of the virus. He says there will be increased equipment and training for hospital staff, and also reiterated that the threat to people is low.

The Health Minister also called on the medical unions to support the measures his department is taking to deal with any potential cases of Ebola in the country.

The Irish Medical Organisation has raised concerns about the HSE's contingency plan in the event of an Irish case of the virus, after the groups met last night to discuss the subject.

Minister Varadkar indicated to the Dáil's Health Committee today he expects politicians and everyone in the health sector to wear the green jersey when it comes to this issue:

Originally posted at 11:45am