Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
402. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if financial support for mandatory quarantine can be put in place to support a person (details supplied) who was originally to return to Ireland in 2020 but has been delayed due to the pandemic in South America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24521/21]
View answerI can confirm that any individual travelling to Ireland from or via a country currently listed as a 'Designated State' by the Department of Health is required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine. The legislation provides for some limited categories to be exempted from this requirement, and a review mechanism is also available upon arrival in the State where appropriate.
My Department does not have the authority to exempt any passenger from mandatory hotel quarantine or from paying for mandatory hotel quarantine. However, in certain cases where an individual can provide evidence that they need to travel to Ireland for an essential reason, but that they are unable to pay the costs of mandatory hotel quarantine in advance, our Embassies or Consulates General may issue a Deferral of Payment Certificate. This enables the individual to pre-book a place in a designated facility, and therefore to travel. It does not necessarily exempt the individual from having to pay for mandatory hotel quarantine as this decision rests with the authorities upon arrival in Ireland.
The citizen is advised to contact his nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate, in advance of travel, for advice and assistance and, if appropriate, a Deferral of Payment certificate. Contact details of all Irish Embassies and Consulates are available on the Department’s website.
