Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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585. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the reopening of society and outdoor dining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22944/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time. Under this roadmap, it is envisaged that outdoor hospitality will recommence from the 7 June.

The specific matters raised in this correspondence to the Deputy are not a matter for the Department of Health. I understand that the use of street furniture and permission to use space adjacent to a business premises is a matter for the Local Authorities under regulation of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Section 254). I also understand that my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has recently made three sets of planning regulations with effect from 30 April 2021, to facilitate outdoor dining. These new planning regulations are part of a wider package of measures, including the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Scheme recently announced by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, which are aimed at supporting businesses, particularly in the restaurant, hospitality and wider tourism sectors, in adapting new approaches to facilitate economic recovery, and increased vibrancy and commercial activity in urban areas as Covid restrictions are eased.

James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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586. To ask the Minister for Health if exceptions will be made in the case of access to medical doctors under the mandatory hotel quarantine to be seen as an essential service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22948/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Mandatory hotel quarantine has been introduced as one element of Ireland’s public health measures to combat the transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern.

The Health Act 1947, as amended, provides that all persons arriving in Ireland from a designated state, or having travelled through a designated state in the previous 14 days, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine in a designated facility unless they are an exempted traveller under the Act. All applicable travellers must reserve and pay for a place in mandatory hotel quarantine.

The Health (Amendment) Act 2021 identifies those who are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine and a full list of exemptions can be accessed on gov.ie/quarantine.

The provisions of the Act also allow for travellers to request a review of decisions relating to their quarantine; however this can only be undertaken once quarantine has begun.

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, such as for certain categories of essential workers. Public health will remain a paramount consideration.

As of 17th April, passengers who are fully vaccinated and have the documents to confirm this are no longer required to complete mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in Ireland. Dependents, including children, will also be exempted from the requirement to complete mandatory hotel quarantine in this instance. Please note that the 4 EMA approved vaccines currently accepted have specific definitions for when a person would be considered 'fully vaccinated'.

Passengers who are fully vaccinated and exempt from hotel quarantine are still subject to other travel restrictions, such as the need to provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and complete a period of self-quarantine at home or wherever specified in their passenger locator form.

Covid 19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. No vaccine will be used until Market Authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is obtained and any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

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.

Further information can be accessed on www.gov.ie/quarantine.