Minister was told of possible level four recommendation on Sunday

Under questioning in the Dáil, Stephen Donnelly strongly denied that he leaked a recommendation to move the country to level-five Covid restrictions, but said it had 'scared a lot of people'. Picture:Gareth Chaney/Collins

The health minister has revealed that he was warned that the National Public Health Emergency Team were considering a recommendation to move to level four ahead of their meeting on Sunday.

Under questioning in the Dáil, Stephen Donnelly strongly denied that he leaked a recommendation to move the country to level-five Covid restrictions, but said it had "scared a lot of people".