Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am reading that as a comment on the arrangements that are there at the moment. For some reason, the Government seemed to think it was okay to introduce a regime whereby one had a pre-departure test, then it was discretionary and it was advised that people self-isolate. Most of us view that as totally inadequate in respect of safeguarding the country. I am aware that politics involved in this and NPHET is very careful not to stray into the political arena. It has been said before that while mandatory quarantining would be welcome, it is viewed as not politically feasible. Given the escalation of the situation and the new variants that have emerged, I wonder why NPHET does not come out and provide clear advice on what is in the best interests of the country in respect of international travel.