Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
420. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice the steps her Department has in place to ensure the Covid-19 protocols are being adhered to throughout the immigration process in Dublin Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34605/21]
View answerThe Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department is responsible for securing Ireland's border at Dublin Airport in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Acts and Orders as they relate to entry and refusal of entry to the State.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the BMU have continued to provide a service at Dublin Airport, and officers have attended for duty throughout. The Health and Safety Manager of my Department has undertaken regular inspections of the BMU's facilities, and carried out risk assessments, identifying protective measures to be implemented in order to protect our frontline officers at the airport.
Measures introduced have included provision of additional PPE such as protective masks for all officers; face shields; additional Perspex screening in immigration booths; signage to encourage social distancing; provision of disinfectant hand gel and wipes, etc. Officers have been assigned to work in pods to mitigate the risk of the spread of potential infections.
Since March 2020, the BMU has continually adapted its operations at Dublin Airport to support Government efforts in reducing the risk of importation of the virus to the State. The BMU ensure that all arriving passengers into Ireland:
- Present a Passenger Locator Form e-receipt or paper form;
- Present a negative/not detected Covid-19 PCR test result; and
- If they have been in a designated State in the preceding 14 days are taken to Mandatory Hotel Quarantine.
BMU staff advise arriving passengers of their requirement to isolate on arrival and the public health restrictions pertaining at any given time.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is responsible for ensuring that public health protocols are followed by passengers at Dublin Airport. DAA Customer Service Staff ensure arriving passengers wear masks and are socially distanced when queuing in the immigration halls.
