Two cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the west according to the HSE.
This brings to seven the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1 ) in the Republic. The latest three cases were reported in people who recently returned from New York.
A man and a child from the HSE western region along with a woman from the east are the latest confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland.
The three new cases are being treated at home and all necessary public health protection measures are being taken, the chief medical officer of the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan has confirmed.
He also said these additional cases did not come as a surprise and the Department along with the HSE has planned for this and anticipates further cases.
The public have been reminded of measures which should be taken to help personal protection including using and disposing of tissues and thoroughly washing hands.
Anyone who has visited an affected area and has become ill with flu-like symptoms is asked to make initial contact with their GP by telephone.
