Written answers

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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848. To ask the Minister for Health the monitoring practices in place to track the spread of variants of Covid-19 in other countries (details supplied). [5830/21]

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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849. To ask the Minister for Health the preventions in place to monitor the Covid-19 variant spreading to countries which travel restrictions are not currently in place therefore entering through a third-party country (details supplied). [5831/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 849 together.

The Government gives continuing consideration to travel policy informed by the epidemiological situation internationally and public health advice. NPHET regularly considers the international epidemiological situation and advises Government on public health issues relating to international travel. NPHET discussions are informed by information, advice and guidance published by the WHO and ECDC.

In response to the emergence of new international variants and changes in the epidemiological situation abroad Government have introduced progressive measures in recent weeks to combat the importation of new cases or variants into Ireland.

Since 16 January all passengers arriving to Ireland from all overseas countries have been required to present evidence of a negative/not-detected test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Checks are made by border officials upon arrival and those that do not present a test result are committing an offense.

Extra precautions have been taken in relation to arriving travellers from countries with emerging variants of concern. All arrivals from Great Britain, South Africa or any country in South America have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival to Ireland and encouraged to avail of a free-PCR test through a GP.

New substantial quarantine measures have been announced by Government which will require all international travellers to complete a period of mandatory quarantine upon arrival. The drafting of legislation to give effect to quarantine requirements, as well as new legislation on pre-departure testing and the COVID-19 Passenger Locator form are at an advanced stage. The Government continues to examine full operationalisation of travel measures announced on 26 January as matter of priority.

Photo of James O'ConnorJames O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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850. To ask the Minister for Health the measures that will be put in place to prevent those who quarantine at home and household members from spreading the virus to others outside the household. [5833/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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All arriving travellers from overseas to Ireland will be required to present a evidence of a negative/not-detected test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, to border officials upon entering Ireland and will be then required to quarantine at their place of residence listed on the COVID-119 Passenger Locator Form for 14-days after arrival. A second ‘non-detected’ PCR test result taken no less than 5 days after arrival can end the quarantine period, except for those that arrived from certain designated countries (Brazil and South Africa).

Targeted contacts made via the PLF system via SMS will act to remind passengers of their obligation to quarantine. Under the regulations An Garda Síochána are responsible for the enforcement of mandatory quarantining of arrivals to the State.

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