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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Questions (607, 787)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

607. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the definition of "essential international travel" under the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/21]

View answer

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

787. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the definition of "essential international travel" (details supplied). [5591/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 787 together.

I signed new regulations titled S.I. No. 29 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 on Friday 29 January last.

These Regulations outline the following to be reasonable excuses for travel to an airport or port for purpose of leaving the State :-

- To work, comply with a contract of employment or contract for services, or otherwise engage in work or employment

- To provide services to, or perform the functions of, an office holder appointed under any enactment or under the Constitution, or a member of either House of the Oireachtas, the European Parliament or a local authority

- To provide services essential to the functioning of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the State

- To attend, for educational reasons a primary or secondary school, or a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility, to the extent that it is necessary for such educational reasons to attend in person

- To accompany any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person, to one of the education facilities mentioned above

- To attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany, to such an appointment, any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person

- To seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, for any other person residing with the person, or for a vulnerable person

- To attend to vital family matters (including providing care to vulnerable persons)

- To attend a funeral

- To fulfil a legal obligation (including attending court, satisfying bail conditions, or participating in ongoing legal proceedings), attend a court office where required, initiate emergency legal proceedings or execute essential legal documents

- if the person is a parent or guardian of a child, or a person having a right of access to a child, to give effect to arrangements for access to the child by the person, or another person who is -

(I) a parent or guardian of the child, or

(II) a person having a right of access to the child,

- where the person is not ordinarily resident in the State, to leave the State.

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