Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I restate the importance of decisions we have taken on international travel. Measures introduced in response to the risks posed by Covid-19 are in place to protect the progress we are making in suppressing transmission rates at home while the national vaccination programme progresses. Important developments are under way as we transition to a new travel policy. Ireland has begun to issue EU digital green certificates to vaccinated persons. In the coming weeks, the passenger locator form will be overhauled to provide for smoother boarding and checking of documents. From 19 July, quarantine requirements will be lifted for many travellers. Continuous consideration is being given by the Government to policy on international travel to ensure we strike the right balance between containment of the risks and facilitating safe international travel.

I thank the Senator for his remarks regarding the vaccination progress. It is very good to see we are probably top in the EU for vaccinations to date. I thank all of the front-line staff and everybody who has made this possible.