Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021
127. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person (details supplied) would need to enter mandatory hotel quarantine on return to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32135/21]
View answerThe current requirement to quarantine for 14 days in a designated facility is designed to ensure that further new Variants Of Concern are not imported to Ireland. The aim of Mandatory Hotel Quarantine is to protect the progress which has been made in Ireland in suppressing Covid-19, and the achievements of the vaccination programme which is currently being rolled out. Guidance on all the requirements and measures in place for persons arriving in Ireland following international travel is available on www.gov.ie.
All passengers travelling from Designated States must pre-book a place in Mandatory Hotel Quarantine prior to departure. Passengers must produce evidence of this booking to board flights to Ireland and also present this evidence to Immigration officials on arrival. This applies even if only transiting through a Designated State and even if remaining airside.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is not the responsible authority on the operation of Mandatory Hotel Quarantine, which is a matter for the Department of Health. There is an option to lodge an appeal on arrival based on personal circumstances and this will be heard within 24 hours. However, this is only granted in very limited circumstances.
The Department continues to strongly encourage citizens to consult with the latest travel advice and Government guidance before undertaking any travel to or from Ireland at this time and continues to advise citizens that the list of Designated States is subject to change at short notice from the Department of Health.
The Department of Health has a Mandatory Hotel Quarantine helpline which can advise in more detail for exemptions and proof for exemptions. The helpline is open Monday – Friday 9am- 5pm +353 1 613 1744.
More information on Mandatory Hotel Quarantine and Designated States can also be found on the www.gov.ie website.
