Robert Troy
Question:2. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach if he has engaged with his UK and Northern Ireland counterparts on the implications of the proposed mandatory quarantine period on cross-Border travel and trade. [7582/20]
View answerWednesday, 27 May 2020
Questions (2)
Written answers
As I set out in a PQ reply on 20 May, I spoke with the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday 15 May. We discussed the general Covid 19 situation and our respective experiences in seeking to contain the virus and manage its impacts. We shared information on our respective plans to start easing restrictionsas well as our respective approaches to related travel restrictions. We also considered recent Brexit developments during the course of our conversation.
I also spoke with First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill on Friday, 15th May, when I informed them of the Government plans to start easing the Covid related restrictions from the 18th of May as set out in the Roadmap. We also discussed ongoing North South cooperation on dealing with Covid and the Memorandum of Understanding agreed to underpin and strengthen North South co-operation on the public health response to the pandemic. I also explained our expectation that passengers from overseas would complete a locator form and self isolate for 14 days. Passengers transiting to Northern Ireland would be exempt from these arrangements.
There is ongoing North South and East West engagement on Covid responses across government at both political and official level. We will continue to seek opportunities for common or similar approaches to managing Covid, where that would be beneficial.