The Taoiseach has said that he will recall the existing Seanad to pass new legislation in relation to Covid-19 before the weekend.
However, Leo Varadkar said that when the new Seanad is formed he will not have the authority to appoint the Taoiseach's nominees so there will be a question as to whether the Seanad can be legally constituted.
He said there is therefore a risk that any legislation passed after that could be open to a legal challenge. He also said that talks on government formation are ongoing between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Mr Varadkar said that the Government has asked the Chief Medical Officer for further advice about social distancing, and if they recommend further measures the Government will implement them.