Written answers

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Johnny GuirkeJohnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

345. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an official travel restriction will be considered to allow persons to avail of their travel insurance in view of the strong advice from NPHET against non-essential foreign travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14361/20]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Foreign Affairs publishes Travel Advice for over 200 countries. The advice provides an objective assessment of the risks individuals could face if travelling overseas, with a view to helping them to make informed decisions for themselves.

The Travel Advice is based on consultation with our Embassies and Consulates on the ground, the relevant local authorities in each country and our international partners, together with our domestic partners where appropriate. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority of protecting public health, we have cooperated particularly closely with the Department of Health and the HSE.

In mid-March of this year, my Department issued a general advisory for the public to avoid all non-essential travel overseas, and the security status rating for each country was amended to reflect this advice. This advice initially applied until March 29, and was subsequently extended until further notice. The Government continues to advise against all non-essential travel overseas. This advice remains under regular review.

As the Deputy will appreciate, while we are currently advising against non-essential travel overseas, we are not in a position to advise as to whether any individual citizen's trip is essential or otherwise. Any issues relating to terms and conditions of flights, holiday packages, insurance policies or refunds should be pursued directly with the airline, tour operator or insurer. These are not a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Restrictions or requirements for travel into the State are of course a matter for other Departments.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.