David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that response. I believe it is an urgent issue. One of the lessons we have surely all learned over the past year is that we must, at all times, stay ahead of the virus and new variants. Pushback from some within government, mainly within the Fine Gael Party regarding mandatory quarantine, is not helpful.

When NIPHET talks about that horizon, the finishing line and the ability to substantially reopen society, which all of us want, it is contingent on strong leadership and getting all the measures right, including quarantine. We must make sure we prevent any new variants coming in. Given what is happening in India, I believe that would be prudent.

Today, the health Minister in the North, Robin Swann, told its health committee that he was concerned about the level of co-operation between North and South. He said this was shared at the highest level, including with the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. He specifically said there are difficulties with data sharing, sharing information about the passenger locator form and new variants. He said that the first he learned of the three cases of the Indian variant in this State was through the media. What level of co-operation exists? The Minister of Health in the North said at official level it is working but he specifically said that at ministerial and decision-making level it is not. That is of concern to me. Will the Minister address what engagement there is between the two?

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