Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1361. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if refunds are available for persons who obtained antigen and PCR tests for travel which were then not needed as a result of the postponement of this requirement for entry to Ireland from 3 December to 5 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63000/21]
View answer1488. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a process will be put in place for Irish citizens who had paid for PCR and antigen tests in order to comply with the newly announced travel recommendations that a PCR or antigen test would be required for all passengers on inward travel to Ireland only for the measures to be deferred for 48 hours which has left a large number of citizens out of pocket unnecessarily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63386/21]
View answer1512. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding PCR testing to enter Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63468/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1361, 1488 and 1512 together.
Temporary pre-departure test requirements for all overseas passengers to Ireland were in place from 5th of December 2021 to 5th of January 2022 as part of the response to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
There is no facility in place to pay costs for tests. In making regulations to introduce these testing requirements, regard was given to the need for balance between the importance of the measure to protect public health and providing sufficient advance notice so that travellers could be aware of a new legal requirement and to allow time to arrange testing before travel.
Since 6th January, travellers to Ireland from overseas are required to hold either accepted proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival to the State.
