Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
2222. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the necessary IT database exists to roll-out the EU digital green cert system in Ireland in a timely manner to allow freedom of movement for vaccinated persons to arrive and depart Ireland from July 2021 onwards to give a much needed boost to the tourism and hospitality sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20173/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission published it's draft proposal for a Regulation to introduce a ‘Digital Green Certificate’ on 17th March 2021. The draft regulation outlines a common framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of certificates relating to vaccination, testing and recovery. Ireland is engaged in constructive discussions at EU level, with involvement by a number of Government Departments, not just Health.
Careful consideration is being given to the proposal and its many policy, infrastructural and operational implications across a number of sectors in Ireland. My Department is engaging constructively in the on-going technical discussions at EU level, in collaboration with relevant Departments, to ensure we can achieve alignment in relation to a return to international travel for non-essential purposes, as soon as it is safe to do so.
