Darren O'Rourke
Question:2853. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State of the mandatory hotel quarantine system to date by category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39375/21]
View answerTuesday, 27 July 2021
Questions (2853)
Written answers
Mandatory Hotel Quarantine has been introduced with the aim of protecting Ireland from the importation of COVID-19, particularly Variants of Concern. As Minister I am committed to protecting public health as a matter of urgency, and my Department continues to work with all State stakeholders and with Tifco Hotel Group to implement this policy, and to ensure that those who enter Mandatory Hotel Quarantine are comfortable and secure as they comply with the public health advice for all of our benefit.
On awarding of the contract with the service provider, a cost model was developed which sees travellers pre-booking and pre-paying to cover the cost of all services required as part of their stay in mandatory quarantine. There are certain fixed costs in relation to standing up and operating the system which have been established in the contract and must be paid by the Department. A table of charges was agreed based on how many hotel facilities are brought in or out of use. The contract with Tifco Hotel Groups was initially for 3 months, with an option to extend for two one-month periods. As we are coming to the end of the extension period a public tender process is underway to award a new contract at the end of the current contract and in consideration of this the terms of the current contract remain commercially sensitive.
Question No. 2854 answered with Question No. 2345.