Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
17. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the discussions he and his European colleagues have had in recent months regarding the lifting of restrictions on behalf of Irish citizens to travel to and or to re-enter the United States of America following a trip home to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46629/21]
View answerIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, entry to the US has been restricted for most people travelling from Ireland, as well as from a number of other countries, since March 2020. In recent weeks, the White House announced that these restrictions will be lifted, for those who are fully vaccinated, in early November. I very much welcome this announcement and I know this will come as good news for many in Ireland, Irish citizens living in the United States, as well as our American friends with links to Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Although entry into the United States, including pre-clearance, is a matter solely for US authorities, ensuring that travel between Ireland and the US can resume in a safe way is a priority for this Government. The Government has consistently raised the matter with the US authorities at the highest levels, both here in Dublin and through our Embassy in Washington D.C. We have also worked with our partners in the EU to address the issue.
In August this year, the Taoiseach wrote directly to President Biden noting the disruptive impact that US travel restrictions have had, and sharing information about Ireland’s successful and ongoing vaccination programme.
I myself had meetings with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and with US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, in May this year, during which we discussed the importance of strengthening the transatlantic relationship; ease of travel is of course vital to this. Officials at our Embassy in Washington D.C., including Ambassador Mulhall, have actively sought opportunities where they have been able to raise the issue with the US Administration and Department of State.
In terms of efforts through the EU, together with other member states, we wrote to US Secretary of State Blinken in June requesting reconsideration of travel restrictions. A joint EU-US Experts’ Working Group was also set up between the EU and the US to work towards the safe resumption of travel.
Strong connectivity between our two countries is absolutely vital for strengthening connections across the Atlantic. I look forward to November and a swift resumption of safe travel between Ireland and the US.
