Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
318. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to issues faced by persons (details supplied) planning to enter Ireland via Belfast or Derry given the UK passenger locator form that does not allow for further travel; and if he will work to ensure the matter is addressed. [57252/21]
View answerIt is not possible for me to comment on individual cases without further information as to the nature of the issues experienced by the individuals referred to by the Deputy. Officials in my Department have been in contact with the Deputy’s office to request more information and will review the issue further once received. I would like to set out the general position on Passenger Locator Form (PLF) requirements in the context of North-South travel. All passengers arriving into the state from overseas are required to complete an online COVID-19 PLF in accordance with SI 45 of 2021. There are limited exemptions from this requirement, as set out in the regulations. It is a mandatory requirement for passengers arriving in Ireland via Northern Ireland and who have been overseas in the 14 days prior to arrival in Ireland to complete a COVID-19 PLF. The form must also be filled out by those who arrive in Ireland to travel onwards to Northern Ireland.The UK authorities have also provided information for those travelling to Ireland from overseas via Northern Ireland. This guidance, which is available at the following link (www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice), advises that relevant passengers must fill out a UK PLF. Ireland and the UK have remained in close contact at political and official level on our respective approaches to managing travel in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in relation to PLF requirements. Engagement takes place on both a North-South and East-West basis and has been highly productive. We will continue to prioritise all aspects of this dialogue in the period ahead. More broadly, I want to see travel taking place within the CTA in as seamless a manner as possible, as soon as this is feasible and safe. The CTA plays a vital role in facilitating the way in which Irish and British people live, work and travel on and across these islands, and it will continue to underpin our bilateral relationship.
