Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
699. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the protocols in place for sports commentators and journalists going to international matches; the quarantine arrangements being put in place for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8087/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraS.I. 44 No. of 2021 imposes self-quarantine requirements on passengers arriving from overseas and sets out defined exemptions from this requirement. Persons whose travel to the State is necessary for a sporting event to take place are required to self-quarantine except while engaging in activity associated with the event.
S.I. No. 44 of 20201 provides:
' "necessary person” means, in relation to a sporting event, any of the following persons whose presence at the sporting event is necessary for it to take place:
a . an athlete who is competing or playing in the sporting event, or who is eligible to so play or compete;
b . a coach or a trainer connected to an athlete;
c . medical personnel, including such personnel carrying out public health supervisory functions;
d . a person who attends the event in order to ensure that it is conducted in accordance with the rules of the sport concerned;
e . a person whose attendance at the event is necessary for it to be reported, recorded or broadcast;
Similarly, the S.I. provides that a journalist may leave their place of quarantine to carry out their professional functions.
These exemptions are provided only for travel from Category 1 countries. Travellers from higher risk countries, Category 2 states as specified, cannot avail of these exemptions.
