Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of air travel and the current 14-day quarantine period for people arriving into the country. The Taoiseach indicated some weeks ago that work was under way to look at this restriction, with a particular view to opening up air corridors with countries in the EU, in the first instance, where the virus has been suppressed. As the Minister will be aware, the aviation and tourism industries are on the floor. One of the recommendations of the aviation task force was for the Government to look again at this question. I am receiving queries, as I am sure the Minister is too, from Irish people who have booked holidays abroad to various parts of the EU and to island destinations where there is a very low incidence of the disease. They are asking me whether it will be okay for them to travel in July or August. Will the Minister answer that question and tell the House what type of work is going on to bring certainty in this matter? Aviation is of huge importance to County Clare, where Shannon Airport is a driver of economic activity in the region. This particular rule is having a damaging effect.

Is there any update on the situation regarding hair and beauty salons? There were some positive soundings last week that they might be able to open sooner than is currently indicated. I ask the Minister for an answer in this regard.

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