Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We should call a spade a spade. Mandatory quarantine in a person's home will not work. It is not quarantine. Garda sergeants and inspectors have come out and said they do not know what the Government is talking about. This is what Garda sergeants and inspectors are saying when the Government claims this is being followed up on and that there is a robust system in place, when everybody and their dog knows there is not. We are an island nation. We have an opportunity to do our best to support the efforts that are happening in the community, valiant efforts by people who are making huge sacrifices. Since as far back as May of last year, we have been asked to remove the discretion in relation to international travel and the Government has failed to implement it. We must ensure every person who comes into this island for non-essential travel should be subject to mandatory quarantine. That is something which is within our gift. Can we ensure new variants stay out? No, we cannot but we can do our damnedest to ensure we do everything in our power. Will the Government finally accept the wishes of the Opposition and of the Irish public and do the right thing by introducing mandatory hotel quarantine for all non-essential travellers?

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