Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 February 2021
318. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will report on preparations for the introduction of mandatory hotel quarantine; the estimated number being planned for; the body or agency which will oversee the procurement of accommodation, transport, security and so on; the timescale to which he is working for the necessary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7824/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA mandatory home quarantine regime for all travellers arriving from overseas, including international passengers arriving via Northern Ireland, has come into force in order to mitigate risks posed by variants of concern.
The operationalisation of designated quarantine facilities is being advanced on a cross-departmental basis as a matter of priority, including the drafting of primary legislation to provide for these facilities.
My Department is leading a group from across government and agencies to progress policy and legislation and the operational requirements for designated quarantine facilities.
This work is supported by officials from across a number of Departments including Foreign Affairs, Transport, Justice, Public Expenditure and Reform, as well as Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This group is working urgently to establish the scope of services required to put these facilities in place, including the necessary procurement and legislative basis.
