Government pays tribute to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan after he announced he is to take time out of his role for family reasons

The government is paying tribute to the Chief Medical Officer for his leadership in handling the Covid-19 crisis.

Dr. Tony Holohan is stepping aside from his work commitments to be with his family as his wife Emer, who has cancer, has been admitted to palliative care.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronan Glynn has taken up the role with immediate effect.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin thanked Dr. Holohan on behalf of the people of Ireland for "helping to guide this country through the Covid-19 emergency" and said every home in the country has come to know him.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says the country's been lucky to have Dr. Holohan steering it through the pandemic: