Written answers

Thursday, 22 April 2021

Photo of Matt CarthyMatt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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160. To ask the Minister for Health when he plans to review the restrictions that apply to the numbers that can attend weddings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21007/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Level 5 restrictive measures currently remain in place. Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19 and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Government announced a slight easing of restrictions from 12 April in recognition of the significant impact that the extended period of Level 5 restrictions is having on people. The focus of this easing of measures is on enabling more outdoor activities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of society. The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The NPHET and the Government will consider the position again at the end of this month and it is anticipated that a roadmap for the further easing of measures over the coming months will be agreed, including in relation to weddings.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

The Government's guidelines for weddings at all levels of the Framework are available at: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/.

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Health if a directive will be issued to operators of caravan and mobile home parks on a potential safe reopening date for their residents; and if those who own a mobile home within their own county will be permitted to visit and stay in the home during the county boundary restrictions on travel. [21013/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Level 5 restrictive measures currently remain in place. Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19 and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Government announced a slight easing of restrictions from 12 April in recognition of the significant impact that the extended period of Level 5 restrictions is having on people. The focus of this easing of measures is on enabling more outdoor activities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of society. The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The NPHET and the Government will consider the position again at the end of this month and it is anticipated that a roadmap for the further easing of measures over the coming months will be agreed.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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162. To ask the Minister for Health if clarification will be provided on a matter (details supplied) in relation to a fully vaccinated person coming into the country who now does not have to quarantine but they will be travelling with their two children who are not vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21014/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As per the Health Act 1947 (Exempted Traveller) (COVID-19) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021, persons who are fully vaccinated, as well as any dependents who accompany them, are now exempt from the requirement to undergo quarantine in a designated facility. All such persons and dependents are however still required to adhere to all other current travel and public health advice, including the need to quarantine at home or in a suitable location, following their arrival.

It is important to note that such persons are considered fully vaccinated only when they have received all required doses of a European Medicines Agency approved vaccine and that the required amount of days have passed since their final dose of that vaccine. It should also be noted that the required amount of days varies by vaccine.

The Government continues to evaluate wider policy on international travel as informed by the epidemiological situation and public health advice, including the possibility of future exemptions.

Neither I as Minister for Health nor my Department have a role in decisions relating to whether individual persons must enter mandatory quarantine or whether individual persons are exempted travellers. All such decisions are to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

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