Seán Crowe
Ceist:718. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of overseas visitors who have been found to be in breach of the 14-day self-isolation guidelines as set out by SI 181 of 2020. [17086/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 July 2020
Ceisteanna (718, 719, 720)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:719. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of overseas visitors who have refused to give all the necessary information upon entry here as set out by SI 181 of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17087/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Crowe
Ceist:720. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend SI 181 of 2020 to make it a legal requirement to observe the 14-day period of self-isolation [17088/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 719 and 720 together.
SI 181 of 2020 introduced a mandatory requirement for passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information provided on the form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.
Since the introduction of the mandatory requirement to complete the locator form in late May, compliance has been close to 100%. The Department of Justice, which collects the forms at points of entry on behalf of the health service, has informed my Department that that three people at Dublin Airport have refused to fill out the form and that they have been referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health, but not legally required, to restrict their movements for 14 days.
Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements. The introduction of any mandatory restriction of movements would require new legislation.