Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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3240. To ask the Minister for Health if a fully vaccinated tourist visiting Ireland from abroad will be able to dine indoors; the way such a person can prove their vaccination status; the steps they will need to take in advance to comply with the requirements for proof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40971/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Act 1947 (Sections 31AB and 31AD) (Covid-19) (Operation of certain indoor premises) Regulations 2021 came into operation on 26th July 2021.

It is intended thatthe EU Digital COVID Certificates for vaccination and recovery will be the primary evidence used when going into a pub, restaurant, café or food court to access indoor hospitality. Other proofs of immunity include the HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record and appropriate COVID-19 Certificates issued by other states. Such certificates must contain confirmation that the person has been vaccinated, the date or dates on which the person was vaccinated and the vaccine used, and also the state body which either delivered the vaccination programme or is authorised to issue the certificate. Where a certificate is not in Irish or English, a translated version must be provided.

People may also be asked for photo ID to prove that the EU Digital COVID Certificate, HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record or other proof of immunity relates to them. Acceptable forms of ID are a driving licence, passport, student ID, age card issued by An Garda Síochána, Irish residence permit, national identity card for international visitors, or any other official document (with photograph) issued by a state including Ireland. Children under 18 accompanying adults may also be asked for information to prove their age. Further information on the reopening of hospitality can be found on www.gov.ie.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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3241. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons arriving into and departing Ireland through airports who did not declare an essential reason for travel in each of the past eight weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40972/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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All passengers arriving into the state are required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form (PLF) in accordance with SI 45/2021. There are limited exemptions from this requirement, as set out in the regulations, such as for international transport workers or for diplomats.

Since 6^thFebruary 2021 the reference to Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/1475 on a co-ordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was removed from the Passenger Locator Form and the declaration on essential travel is no longer recorded. The Department of Health does not record any data on numbers of passengers departing through Irish airports.