Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
409. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the impact a non-FDA approved vaccine (details supplied) will have on admissions to the United States for essential reasons for Irish citizens, given that they are currently ineligible for any other vaccine under domestic policies here; and the representations he has made to the US authorities on the matter. [41687/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra414. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with the authorities the USA in relation to allowing Irish citizens and residents visit the USA if fully vaccinated with a European Medicines Agency approved vaccine including a vaccine (details supplied) or who have had a pre-journey PCR test; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41838/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 414 together.
Admission to the United States of America is solely a matter for US authorities. Vaccination status currently does not have any bearing on such admissions, for essential reasons, or otherwise.
I know that the current situation is causing unprecedented disruptions and is placing enormous pressure on families, businesses, and individuals. As I have stated before, ease of travel is vital to our economic relationships and for building connections across the Atlantic and therefore ensuring that it can resume in a safe way is a priority for the Government.
Last month the Taoiseach wrote directly to President Biden noting the disruptive impact that US travel restrictions have had, and sharing information about Ireland’s successful and ongoing vaccination programme. My Department also continues to engage with the US at the highest levels. I myself raised the question of resumption of travel between our two countries during my meeting with US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, in May this year. Our Embassy in Washington D.C. continues to reach out to contacts in the US Administration and Department of State on the issue, emphasising the impact of the travel restrictions on citizens in both countries, as well as the economic repercussions. Our Ambassador in Washington has written twice to the US Administration, including in recent weeks, urging them to ease the restrictions. My Department also has a very positive working relationship with the US Chargé d’Affaires and her team at the US Embassy in Dublin and we continue to encourage them to process exceptions to their travel restrictions for those travelling to the US for essential reasons.
At the EU level, following the EU-US summit in June, a joint EU-US Experts’ Working Group to exchange information and expertise to reinstate safe and sustainable travel between the EU and the United States was set up, and has met twice since then. Due to the Common Travel Area, Ireland has also had a role in the UK-US working group.
We continue our work to ensure that the restrictions will not have any long-term impact on existing channels of migration, business, tourism and exchange, which benefit our countries significantly.
