Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
834. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the recently announced quarantine proposals aimed at people flying here; if his attention has been drawn to the position of an association (details supplied) on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10781/20]
View answerControlling the spread of Covid-19 remains a priority for the Irish Government and any measures put in place are done so with the objective of protecting public health.
The Department of Health, as the lead Government Department in relation to Ireland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, established the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on 27 January 2020, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. The NPHET oversees and provides national direction on the development and implementation of the strategy to contain Covid-19 in Ireland and measures to protect public health and my Department assists with the implementation of these measures.
Currently, persons arriving to Ireland from overseas are asked to self-isolate for 14 days with exceptions for essential supply chain workers such as a pilots, hauliers, or maritime staff members. As of Thursday 28 May 2020 a Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form must be completed by all persons entering the State. It is currently a legal requirement for passengers arriving in Ireland from overseas to complete the Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form.
My Department, through the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee is coordinating the implementation of measures aimed at promoting health safety and virus control throughout the aviation journey once airlines resume regular flight schedules, with due regard to the maintenance of aviation safety and security standards. A National Code of Practice in this regard is expected to be finalised shortly.
I also recently established an Aviation Recovery Task Force, to examine and make recommendations on what needs to be done to restore Irish aviation to supprt the wider economic recovery. The Task Force will prepare an Aviation Recovery Action Plan setting out recommendations for consideration by Government as appropriate. I have asked that the Action Plan be concluded by 10 July.
