Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
776. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if persons who are moving house or are in the process of finding and or viewing new accommodation are permitted to travel beyond the 5 km under current level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37823/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to assure the Deputy, that the Government is committed to ensuring a balanced and proportionate response to COVID-19 by finding ways to implement public health measures in response to the pandemic in a way that is fair, reasonable and proportionate.
As you will be aware, in response to the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation across the country, Ireland has moved to level 5 of the Government’s medium-term strategy for dealing with COVID-19, Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19
This 5 level Framework reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical.
Restrictions on domestic travel apply at Levels 3, 4 and 5 of the Plan.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is now at Level 5 of the Plan. Under Level 5, people are asked to stay at home and to exercise within 5km of home. A number of exemptions are provided, including travel to move to another residence where, in all the circumstances of the case, such movement is reasonably necessary.
Current regulations and other Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
