Dr. Tony Holohan:

First, we have the advice of the ECDC. We anticipate guidance and advice from it in the near term in respect of measures countries should be considering taking in response to emerging from the significant challenge of Omicron that we have experienced in recent weeks. We will be considering that. Second, we have a well-established system run through our colleagues in HIQA. On our behalf, they do a detailed ongoing analysis of measures in place in countries across Europe. We have that available to us for major decisions. We had a detailed account of that available to us in making the decision to give the advice we issued for 20 January. That will be reviewed and updated for the next meeting of NPHET for exactly the reasons suggested by the Senator. That meeting is due to be held on 17 February. The restrictions and advice that are currently in place will all be reviewed at that time and available to us will be an updated assessment of what exactly is in place in all European countries as part of the considerations we will undertake on the advice we will give to the Government after that meeting on 17 February.