Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

381. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review a case (details supplied); if the business can reopen on 30 July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12736/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, on 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place in Phase 3. On Thursday 25th June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at

The Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap

I wish to clarify to the Deputy that cinemas are included in these measures and may reopen subject to the Phase 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice and specific requirements. The numbers for public gatherings can be found on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/#social.The specific requirements can be found on the Government website at .

I would also wish to draw the Deputy's attention to the Return to Work Safely Protocol which was published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation on Saturday 9 May last. This detailed guidance document was developed to assist employers and employees in the coming period and is available at . The Protocol is mandatory, and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy.  Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets out the standard set of measures required in every workplace.

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

382. To ask the Minister for Health when SI No. 181 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Requirements) (Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form) Regulations 2020 expires; his plans to extend it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12737/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

SI No. 181 of 2020, Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Requirements) (Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form) Regulations 2020 will expire on 9th July.  

From 9 July it is intended that there will be a gradual opening up of international travel, through a Roadmap for Safe Overseas Access, as announced by the Government. It is intended that reciprocal travel arrangements (air bridges) will be established with a number of countries with broadly comparable epidemiological situations to Ireland’s, based on an agreed EU method for comparing countries.   Work on developing the Roadmap, including considerations on the passenger locator form, is to be taken forward by relevant Government departments, in consultation with stakeholders.