The head of the country’s tourism promotion board has travelled to Italy on holiday, the Irish Independent can reveal.

The Government is advising people not to travel abroad and to “holiday at home” as the Covid-19 pandemic plays havoc with the country’s economy and health service.

Fáilte Ireland is carrying out a “major drive to encourage people to take domestic breaks” and the Government has introduced a tax rebate to encourage people to spend their holidays here.