Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021

Thursday, 28 January 2021

Questions (288)

Ged Nash

Question:

288. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the travel restrictions which apply in law to citizens of the Republic of Ireland under regulations governed by the provisions of section 31A of the Health Act 1947 cannot as it stands, be applied and enforced to restrict the movements of, for example, Northern Ireland residents and others who are not residents of the Republic of Ireland; his views on whether the relevant regulations must be amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4902/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 701 of 2020) came into operation on 30 December, 2020. These Regulations provide that a person may not leave their place of residence without reasonable excuse. The regulations define place of residence for people resident in the State and people not ordinarily resident in the State. In relation to a person who is not ordinarily resident in the State, the regulations define place of residence as the premises in the State, if any, at which he or she is currently residing, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. The Deputy will be aware that the Government is drawing up measures to tighten restrictions on travel into and out of the State as a matter of urgency.