Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
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Covid-19 Pandemic
848. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the other EU and EEA member states that share the concerns of his Department regarding recent advices given by ECDC and European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, on testing and quarantining for air travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45020/20]
View answerOn 11 December, Ireland through our representative on the management board of the ECDC wrote to the Chair of the management board of the ECDC to outline serious concerns held by national public health experts with the following publications:
- COVID-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol Operational guidelines for the management of air passengers and aviation personnel in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic Issue
- ECDC/EASA Guidelines for COVID-19 testing and quarantine of air travellers –Addendum to the Aviation Health Safety Protocol
- Risk of COVID-19 related to end of year festive season
These publications have been discussed by Member States through a number of EU fora including among health experts at the Health Security Committee. Member States have not been surveyed for positions on the concerns expressed by Ireland, but I note the published summary reports of recent HSC meetings, available on the Commission website, and that revised guidelines are anticipated.
