Niamh Smyth
Ceist:43. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the green list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18465/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 July 2020
Ceisteanna (43)
Freagraí scríofa
On 21 July, the Government agreed a list of fifteen locations for which the advice against non-essential travel no longer applies. The travel advice for those locations now is to 'take normal precautions,' which is represented by a green bar under the system of country security ratings used by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The fifteen locations are: Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Monaco, San Marino and Slovakia.
Persons arriving into Ireland from those locations will not have to restrict their movements on arrival. However, they will still be obliged to complete a mandatory Public Health Passenger Locator Form and to submit it to the relevant authority at their port of entry.
Inclusion on the list is based on the current epidemiological situation and related public health information in each location. The list and related travel advice will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis, based on advice from officials including public health experts. Any updates or changes will be made in line with Government decisions.
We are in the midst of a global pandemic, with more than 16 million people infected. The situation is developing rapidly and the government's message is clear that the safest option is to stay in Ireland.