Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
626. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the fact that certain employees in particular some Irish persons with jobs based abroad are required to have a Covid-19 test before returning to work; her plans to put a system in place to facilitate tests for such persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6591/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic health requirements in respect of persons working abroad is a matter for the authorities of the country where the employee is working.
The Irish Government is asking passengers arriving from overseas to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form and to self-isolate for 14 days following arrival. It is noted that you do not need to self-isolate if you:
- return to the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland
- are an essential supply chain worker - for example, a pilot, haulier, maritime staff member
- are briefly stopping over at an airport on your way to another country
Further information on the procedures to be followed on arrival in Ireland can be found on the following webpage:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e885b2-covid-19-coronavirus-travel-advice/.
Guidance for Supply Chain Workers is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed29dc-irelands-response-to-covid-19-transport-measures/
Work is underway to introduce regulations which will place these arrangements on a statutory basis. The introduction of such regulations will include detailed provisions on exempt categories.
Policy and practise on Covid-19 testing is a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE.
