Ms Deirdre Ní Fhallúin:

Yes. The question of those Irish citizens who tested as persistent positives, as they are called, while on holidays abroad was an issue prior to the general reopening of travel on 19 July. We encountered a number of cases. As Mr. O'Connor indicated, the introduction of a positive test that was more than ten days old was then accepted as evidence of recovery for travel back to Ireland. The new regulations have only been in place for approximately two days, but we have not yet seen this arising as an issue. As my colleagues said, those who have evidence of recovery are expected to be able to obtain a negative antigen test in circumstances where they are continuing to persistently test positive on a PCR test.

The issue of people who become stranded abroad is one of the reasons we are now advising quite a precautionary message around international travel to all citizens, partly because the restrictions can change at short notice but also as a result of the fact that there is now a heightened risk associated with all international travel. Where people get into difficulty, the advice is to contact the closest embassy or consulate locally. We offer consular assistance to citizens regardless of the difficulties they encounter. We will be able to offer help, advice and support via our mission networks.