Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
660. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the EU wide travel system; when he expects Ireland to participate; and if distance restrictions that may be in place for Irish citizens at the time, for example, stay within 5km of their place of residence will impact upon the travel system. [33030/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU’s General Affairs Council on 13 October adopted a recommendation to establish a coordinated approach to travel restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach, known as the traffic light system, will bring greater consistency and transparency across the European Union as we fight against the COVID-19 virus. On 20 October, the Government decided on the approach to implementing this system in Ireland. It was decided that:
- From the morning of 22 October, travellers from green regions can enter the State without being requested to restrict their movements or undergo testing for Covid-19;
- For now, travellers from orange, red or grey regions will continue to be requested to restrict their movements for 14 days, with the exception of certain exempted categories which will apply from 8 November;
- It is planned that, also with effect from 8 November, travellers arriving from orange regions will be able to waive the requirement to restrict movements if they have one negative test result up to three days before arrival. The test must be conducted by an authorised entity;
The new approach is now reflected in travel advice published by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Ireland’s security status for all countries in the EU plus area is now assigned as “High Degree of Caution”. All other countries remain at “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” or ‘Do not Travel’.
The new coordinated approach to travel restrictions was developed specifically to safeguard freedom of movement within the EU and facilitate travel between EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United Kingdom. However, once passengers arrive in a State, they are expected to follow the relevant public health measures in place in that State. This means that any person arriving into Ireland must abide by the current public health measures in place. This includes abiding by the current restrictions under Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19, where everyone is asked to restrict movements to within 5 km of their home or place of residence unless it is strictly essential.
