Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Questions (1432)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1432. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 passenger locator forms completed and submitted from 1 September 2020 to date in 2020; the resources he has made available ahead of the period 1 December 2020 to 8 January 2021 in order to process an increase in traveller numbers; and if he has consulted with his colleague in the Department of Justice in respect of staffing in the context of Covid-19 at all airports and ports of entry over this time period. [33757/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Between 1 September and 30 October 2020 389,216 COVID-19 Passenger Locator Forms were submitted.

The passenger locator form is used for the purpose of contact tracing and to support a system of engagements with arriving passengers that includes the targeting of key public health messages via SMS. The system of engagements with arriving passengers is delivered by the Department of Health in conjunction with a call centre operator. The Department regularly reviews the resources needed for this purpose.