Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
469. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the reason his Department has not introduced mandatory, monitored quarantine for arrivals at ports and airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3470/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas are required to present negative or ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland and to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator form. The form is used to support the targeting of key public health messages to passengers.
Ireland has implemented travel measures in accordance with the EU ‘traffic light system’, which allows for restrictions to be targeted based on the epidemiological situation of the country of departure.
Travellers from regions classified red or grey, or non-EU countries are strongly advised to restrict their movements for 14 days upon arrival to Ireland, unless travelling for a designated essential function or need.
In response to the elevated risk posed by new variants of concern, extra precautions have been introduced for all travellers arriving from Great Britain, South Africa and South America. These travellers are strongly advised to self-isolate for a full 14 days upon arrival and to contact a GP to arrange for a free PCR test no sooner than 5 days after arrival. The test will assist with detecting the presence of new variants in Ireland. Regardless of the result of the test, passengers who have travelled from Great Britain, South Africa or Brazil should continue to isolate for full 14 day period.
Close consideration is given by Government to travel policy informed by the international epidemiological situation and by public health advice.
