Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021
162. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if clarification will be provided on a matter (details supplied) in relation to a fully vaccinated person coming into the country who now does not have to quarantine but they will be travelling with their two children who are not vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21014/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs per the Health Act 1947 (Exempted Traveller) (COVID-19) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021, persons who are fully vaccinated, as well as any dependents who accompany them, are now exempt from the requirement to undergo quarantine in a designated facility. All such persons and dependents are however still required to adhere to all other current travel and public health advice, including the need to quarantine at home or in a suitable location, following their arrival.
It is important to note that such persons are considered fully vaccinated only when they have received all required doses of a European Medicines Agency approved vaccine and that the required amount of days have passed since their final dose of that vaccine. It should also be noted that the required amount of days varies by vaccine.
The Government continues to evaluate wider policy on international travel as informed by the epidemiological situation and public health advice, including the possibility of future exemptions.
Neither I as Minister for Health nor my Department have a role in decisions relating to whether individual persons must enter mandatory quarantine or whether individual persons are exempted travellers. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
