Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. I endorse my colleagues' comments regarding social welfare inspectors at the airports. Where are the inspectors getting their information? Is it from the airline authorities? Could somebody answer that question for me? I have a number of questions, especially for the DAA about Cork Airport but maybe I will leave them for now. There are serious concerns about Cork Airport in the context of the safety of both tourists and everyday passengers who come through it.

What are the witnesses' thoughts on rapid testing at airports and ports? This is an issue I have raised time and again in recent months with various Departments, organisations and the Taoiseach and his predecessor. Do the witnesses think rapid testing is something that could succeed at airports and ports? Have the companies looked into the cost of rapid testing and do they think that passengers would be willing to pay?

Do the witnesses think that the 14-day quarantine is working? Do they think that the filling out of forms is the most positive way to deal with trying to curb the virus at ports of entry? Have the companies looked at other countries and compared their entry and exit strategies for Covid-19? In the United Arab Emirates, UAE, for example, a passenger must produce a medical certificate showing a negative result from a Covid-19 test on entry and exit. If the witnesses have looked at other countries, do they have a proposal as to what should be done in Ireland? Have they discussed any such proposal with the necessary authority, the Government or NPHET? The whole reason behind that is we are trying to open up west County Cork and Ireland generally in a safe manner and rapid testing has to happen, it is a no-brainer. We have to look to the long term. This pandemic could go on for the next number of years. I would like to know if the witnesses have answers to the questions I have asked.