Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
50. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the procedure for Covid-19 testing at ports for lorry drivers who exit and enter Ireland daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3452/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is engaged in contingency planning should a Covid testing service for truck drivers be required for those drivers travelling on journeys from Ireland to the continent, so that these drivers can meet evolving Covid entry requirements on the continent. Ireland is still advocating that all EU Member States should adhere to the Green Lanes recommendation that essential transport workers should be exempt from such tests. This is in the interests of the Single Market and indeed public health by keeping supply chains open, particularly for essential goods such as food and medical supplies.
However, a number of EU Member States have in recent weeks introduced testing requirements for truck drivers coming from Ireland (Netherlands, Germany, and also France, where a driver from Ireland is travelling via the UK land bridge route to enter France). France is this week considering extending to Ireland the existing requirement for Covid testing of all truck drivers entering France from the UK. My Department is in regular contact with the French authorities and has explained the difficulties involved if such testing requirements are introduced.
The UK Government agreed to provide a free testing service for truck drivers, including drivers from Ireland using the UK landbridge. Ireland must now prepare for putting a similar system in place, given the importance of sustaining our supply lines at this time of emergency, particularly following the departure of our nearest geographical neighbour from the EU.
Testing services for persons leaving the State are provided by the private sector for a fee and this option will remain open for drivers. All testing services for the purpose of travel are completely separate to the public health test and trace system run by the HSE.
There is no requirement for truck drivers entering Ireland to undergo a Covid test. Ireland is maintaining the exemption for transport workers entering the State and will continue to call for EU Member States to comply with the Green Lanes recommendations in the interests of supply chains and the Single Market.
