The Dail has agreed to a nationwide moment of applause for frontline healthcare and shop workers which will take place tonight.

The nationwide applause is due to take place from 8pm and the Dail has agreed to interrupt its business at that time to join in. The proposal was brought forward by Brid Smith TD. https://twitter.com/MaryERegan/status/1243133017855590401 The Dáil is sitting today to discuss the ongoing response to Covid-19. Yesterday, it was confirmed that nine people have now died of coronavirus in the Republic and the total number of cases has now reached 1,564. Earlier this week, the government announced updated measures including the closure of schools until April 19 at the earliest while all non-essential retail shops were also ordered to close. READ NEXT: Michael D Higgins has written a poem urging us all to 'Take Care'