Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021
126. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way the appeals system for those in mandatory quarantining operates; the grounds on which appeals can be made; the time scale involved; the number of persons who have appealed their mandatory quarantining; the outcomes of those appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20875/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act. All applicable travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine.
The Act allows for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine (independent appeals process); however this can only be undertaken once quarantine has begun and on a limited number of grounds. Public health will remain a paramount consideration.
The Department of Justice is supporting the Department of Health in relation to the review process and has put in place a process which provides a seven day a week service.
Decisions must be returned within 24 hours of receipt of the request for review. Requests for review are based on the specific grounds established in the law. Appeals officers have been selected from a group of barristers who have also provided a service in relation to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal. There are currently 35 appeals officers to ensure they are completed within the 24 hour timeframe.
As of 20th April, there have been 478 appeals. 44 appeals have been granted, 433 appeals have been refused and 1 appeal pending.
