Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
363. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and manner of recent breaches of the guidelines and regulations on Covid-19 and overseas travel that have been committed by US military personnel visiting Shannon Airport in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10201/21]
View answerIn addition to the occurrence on 25 January 2021, which I outlined in my response to PQs 6423/21 and 6424/21, two other landings in respect of which breaches of public health guidelines have occurred have been brought to my attention by An Garda Síochána.
The first was on 11 January, when 59 US military personnel alighted at Shannon airport. On that date Statutory Instrument 3/2021, in effect from 9 January 2021, was the applicable public health regulation. These personnel did not complete Passenger Locator Forms as required under that SI.
The second was on 23 January, involving 54 personnel. On that date, SI 11/2021, in effect from 16 January, was the applicable public health regulation. These personnel did not present negative PCR tests nor complete Passenger Locator Forms as required under that SI.
We have emphasised to the US authorities that all landings must fully abide by the conditions put in place by the Irish authorities, including public health conditions. The US authorities have recommitted to full compliance in respect of future landings.
