Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
399. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the process whereby some embassies have refused to process visa interviews due to the fact Ireland is still in maximum level 5 restrictions; and his views on whether it would be appropriate to confirm to with embassies the activities that are safe to undertake at the various opening dates which have been plotted out. [24419/21]
View answerMy Department continues to engage actively with foreign Embassies accredited to Ireland, and regularly updates Embassies in relation to the ongoing measures being taken by the Government to address the COVID-19 public health pandemic.
Embassies have been informed of the ongoing requirement to work from home unless work is an essential health, social care or other essential service or activity that cannot be done from home. My Department has also informed Embassies that the Government list of essential services includes “the provision of services essential to the functioning of diplomatic Missions and consular posts in the State” at Section 18 of Essential Services list. Embassies have also been updated on the changes to public health measures that have been implemented and that are coming into effect in the coming days and weeks, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Path Ahead”.
While Embassies have been informed of the current measures and of the provisions in place to allow Embassies to continue to provide essential services, it is for each Embassy to assess their ability to provide services in a manner that complies with current public health guidance and prioritises the safety of staff and customers.
I am hopeful that the ongoing easing of restrictions will allow Embassies accredited to Ireland to scale up their provision of services to more normal levels, where it is safe and practical to do so.
