Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2021
193. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the reason that children are required to have PCR tests when coming from EU countries when non-essential travel reopens in July 2021 given that children cannot be vaccinated and the requirement for PCR tests will put the cost of a family holiday beyond the means of many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30604/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has applied more stringent measures applying to international travel in order to mitigate against the risk of new variants being imported through travel and to protect the progress we are making in suppressing transmission domestically.
Under the current travel measures, as provided in S.I. 135/2021, children aged 6 and under are not required to have evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
These travel measures are kept under continuous review based on public health advice and the international epidemiological situation. The Government has announced revised travel policies to take effect from 19 July in keeping with the EU Digital Covid Certificate. Work to give effect to these measures is progressing on a cross-departmental basis.
