Public health experts have expressed concern over the holding of house parties during the pandemic, saying now is not the time.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: "There are safe environments, there are ways to keep environments safe and then unfortunately in the context of a pandemic, there are less safe environments, one of which is house parties".
He added: "We're pleading with people, particularly in the context of what we are seeing this evening, that now is not the time.
Now is actually the time to limit your contacts". The Chief Clinical Officer at the Health Service Executive warned that young people are not immune even from the most serious effects of the virus.