The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has warned the tourism industry that a difficult
summer lies ahead for the sector.
Although there has been only one case of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland so far, the restrictions on traffic into the country are set to continue as long as the disease remains in Britain.
Less American tourists are expected to visit Ireland this year because of the lack of information in the US on the disease.
The Taoiseach also announced intentions to send Government officials to Britain to monitor and disinfect vehicles, which are travelling to Ireland.
Elsewhere today, the tests on a suspect sheep that was found on a farm in Co Meath have returned negative.