Mr. Fintan Towey:

I thank the Chairman for his question. On the question of the approach in Ireland versus other countries in Europe, across Europe the approach is not uniform. It is correct to say that in comparison with many countries in Europe, the approach taken in Ireland is more cautious in seeking to control the virus. The Government has set out very clearly the rationale for that approach.

On the restrictions or the various elements of guidance that are in place that have the effect of restricting international travel, these are based on the principle of setting out good guidance for members of society, and appealing to their human goodwill and good citizenship to support the efforts to suppress the virus. These are not generally based on any legal restrictions. That is true even in the case of individuals who have been diagnosed with the virus or of close contacts of these people. To a large extent it is not a legal framework and our Department has not sought legal advice on the restrictions to which the Chairman is referring.