Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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911. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when it is planned to permit general travel to the offshore islands in view of the fact that phase 5 of the opening of the country has been brought forward to phase four of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the reason for the delay in making an announcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12703/20]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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912. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when persons will be allowed to travel on and off the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12936/20]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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922. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when persons that own homes on offshore islands but do not reside there can travel to the islands. [13511/20]

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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927. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the islands will not reopen for tourism before the end of July 2020, in view of the concerns of islanders; the protocols and directions that will be in place for the opening of the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13605/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 911, 912, 922 and 927 together.

My Department has had extensive consultation and engagement with island community and business representatives throughout the COVID-19 crisis, in order to understand the challenges facing island communities and help inform Government policy in managing the crisis.

The Government has been guided by advice from health professionals when considering the acceleration of the original Roadmap.  Acting on this advice, the Government has been in a position to ease restrictions earlier than originally anticipated, with all travel restrictions within the country being removed as and from 29 June. 

The Department has advised all ferry operators to regularly review the HSE website to ensure they are implementing the requisite guidelines.  The HSE has also developed a set of guidelines specifically for ferries operating to the offshore islands:

These guidelines set out the steps that should be taken by the ferry operators, from use of graphics and notices, to hygiene practices, and how to deal with any passengers that may have COVID 19. 

The Department understands that work is underway to ensure the proper signage and protocols are in place on the piers, reminding those using the piers to adhere to guidelines in terms of social distancing etc.

The reduction in the spread of the virus has been such that, in keeping with health advice, Government is confident that the restrictions on travel to the islands may now be lifted, with travel to the islands now being permitted as and from 29 June.  The protocols and guidelines in relation to social distancing, use of masks and general hygiene advice all remain in place on the ferries as on other forms of public transport.  In addition, the Department is in contact with all of the relevant local authorities and Departments responsible for the upkeep of the piers in order to confirm that they have taken steps to ensure the safety of ferry passengers.