Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree wholeheartedly with what has been said but surely the question has changed significantly in the past six months if one works on the basis of risk analysis. Let us consider the level of vaccination and the very significant reduction in death and hospitalisation. Surely the question now is within reason, how do we get people back travelling as safely as possible, while recognising there is still potential for some spread, yet recognising that the potential for death or hospitalisation is greatly reduced? How, on a wider level, can we support an industry that has a significant impact on our economy? How do we get some level of normality back into the sector? Perhaps these questions are not for the witnesses. These are wider governmental issues but NPHET makes a significant input into them.

Dr. Holohan talked about the level of vaccination and how well the programme is working. I say well done to everybody for that. What is the justification for restricting the people who are fully vaccinated from international travel, particularly within Europe, until 19 July? Today, there are people who are fully vaccinated and could start travelling again because some airlines have opened routes. What is the justification for the delay from the perspective of NPHET? Is there a justification?