Covid-19 Tests

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Questions (861)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

861. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide airline staff travelling back and forth to the UK with an official Government headed letter outlining that they are exempt from PCR testing requirements in cases in which they are travelling in the course of performing their duties (details supplied); if not, if arrangements will be put in place to provide PCR testing for airline workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5875/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

From 16 January 2021, passengers, with limited exemptions, arriving into Ireland (except those arriving from Northern Ireland) are required to have a negative/‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland.

SI No. 11/2021 provides exemptions from the test requirement applying to international transport workers, who arrive at the State in the course of their duties. Exemptions inlude bearers of valid annex 3 certificates in accordance with the Communication from the European Commission on Green Lanes, drivers of heavy goods vehicles, an aircraft pilot, other aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew.