Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:607. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the definition of "essential international travel" under the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
607. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the definition of "essential international travel" under the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra787. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the definition of "essential international travel" (details supplied). [5591/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 787 together.
I signed new regulations titled S.I. No. 29 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 on Friday 29 January last.
These Regulations outline the following to be reasonable excuses for travel to an airport or port for purpose of leaving the State :-
- To work, comply with a contract of employment or contract for services, or otherwise engage in work or employment
- To provide services to, or perform the functions of, an office holder appointed under any enactment or under the Constitution, or a member of either House of the Oireachtas, the European Parliament or a local authority
- To provide services essential to the functioning of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the State
- To attend, for educational reasons a primary or secondary school, or a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility, to the extent that it is necessary for such educational reasons to attend in person
- To accompany any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person, to one of the education facilities mentioned above
- To attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany, to such an appointment, any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person
- To seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, for any other person residing with the person, or for a vulnerable person
- To attend to vital family matters (including providing care to vulnerable persons)
- To attend a funeral
- To fulfil a legal obligation (including attending court, satisfying bail conditions, or participating in ongoing legal proceedings), attend a court office where required, initiate emergency legal proceedings or execute essential legal documents
- if the person is a parent or guardian of a child, or a person having a right of access to a child, to give effect to arrangements for access to the child by the person, or another person who is -
(I) a parent or guardian of the child, or
(II) a person having a right of access to the child,
- where the person is not ordinarily resident in the State, to leave the State.