Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1467. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to extend free PCR tests for the children of fully vaccinated parents travelling to visit family after 19 July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33483/21]
View answerCOVID-19 tests for the purposes of travel, both to and from the State, can be sourced via private testing providers, in order to preserve the testing capacity of the HSE for priority groups and public health screening.
Under S.I. 135 of 2021, which lays out the new travel measures in place since 19th July, children under the age of 12 travelling to Ireland are not required to show evidence of a negative RT-PCR test result upon arrival to Ireland. An exemption can be declared for children under the age of 12 on the new enhanced Passenger Locator Form prior to departure.
Children between the ages of 12 and 17 will be required to have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to travel into the country, unless they have valid proof of vaccination or recovery.
International travel policy is kept under continuous consideration informed by the international epidemiological situation and public health advice.
