Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As we continue to deal with the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, I ask that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport would come into the House to outline his plans regarding the resumption of air travel. I call on him to begin the process of administering pre-travel Covid-19 tests at all points of departure for those travelling to the State. There is no doubt that the tourism industry in Ireland has suffered a catastrophic loss as a result of the pandemic. Among the many Irish businesses suffering the effects of the national lockdown is the air travel industry. People have begun to move towards normality and part of that has been an increase in the number of those travelling abroad, including those who are arriving in Ireland. Some people have to travel but others are choosing to accept the risks and travel needlessly. Either way, measures must be put in place to ensure that the safest travel environment possible is created to mitigate the transmission of the virus across international boundaries. There are technology and policy solutions available to us that will serve to provide assurances to those who travel that we are taking the best possible care with their health.

It is paramount that we show leadership on this matter. Our tourism and hospitality industry relies on this market. According to the most recent statistics, 1.25 million people were employed in the sector, although it is unknown how Covid-19 has impacted that figure. We do know that tourism added €6 billion annually to our economy prior to Covid-19. If we hope to retain anything remotely close to that figure this year we need to act now. Currently, the Government requires all those entering this country to complete a public health passenger locator form and mandates that all arrivals quarantine for a period of 14 days before commencing any further travel. As it is not entirely clear how this is enforced, travellers to Ireland could potentially be wandering around Irish towns and cities spreading the virus unbeknownst to themselves. What we do know is that the 14 days quarantine does not contribute one cent towards the tourism sector that we could be trying hard to revive.

Administering Covid-19 tests to those flying would ensure that those with coronavirus would be found and would remain at their point of origin, leaving those who travel to arrive virus-free and able to contribute towards an industry that is vital to this country, and one that welcomed 11.2 million tourists last year. I acknowledge that this is an evolving situation but I cannot sit idly by because the reality is that if we choose not to invest in testing now, we may have to bail out an industry that lies at the heart of Ireland.As we wait for the July stimulus announcement, the aviation and tourism industries have their seat belts buckled tightly, awaiting leadership. I call on the Minister to act swiftly and decisively and to insist on preflight Covid-19 checks in the country of origin. Ireland must lead the way on this before it is too late. This is too important.