Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021

Tuesday, 7 December 2021

Ceisteanna (632)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

632. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the structures that are being put in place to allow passengers to acquire an antigen or PCR test in order to travel over the Christmas period given that many pharmacies and health facilities will be closed during this time; if he has spoken with his European and international counterparts in relation to this matter given persons will be entering and egressing the State throughout this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60519/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The requirements for travel are kept under regular review based on the evolving international epidemiological situation. At present, and as part of our response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, passengers travelling to Ireland require a valid test result (subject to limited exemptions). Full details on international travel policy and the types of tests accepted are published at www.gov.ie/travel.

Where testing is needed to meet the travel requirements of another country, it should be obtained from private providers in order to preserve HSE testing capacity for priority groups.

The current timeframes required for tests for travel to Ireland (72 hours before arrival to Ireland for a PCR test and 48 hours before arrival to Ireland for an antigen test) provides passengers an opportunity to obtain a test. However, it is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure they meet the travel requirements imposed by their country of destination.