Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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329. To ask the Minister for Health the requirement for persons who have previously tested positive for Covid-19 and hold a valid HSE recovery certificate in relation to the new international travel Covid-19 testing measures. [61002/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The requirements for travel are kept under regular review based on the evolving international epidemiological situation. At present, and as part of our response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, passengers travelling to Ireland require a valid test result (subject to limited exemptions). Full details on international travel policy and the types of tests accepted are published at www.gov.ie/travel.

From 5 December, a traveller with a valid recovery cert can show either:

- A negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival

- Or a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival

It is understood that some travellers may not be able to present evidence of a negative/not-detected RT-PCR test prior to travel due to persistently positive RT-PCR test after recovery. In these circumstances the person can present a positive RT-PCR result dated more than 11 days and less than 180 days prior to the date on which they arrive in the State. From 5 December, such individuals are required to present a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.