David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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455. To ask the Minister for Health when restrictions on travel from South Africa to Ireland due to Covid-19 were first put in place; when they were lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38449/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Between 28 May 2020 and 6 March 2022, regulations providing for public health measures applying in general to international travel were in effect. The following sets out mandatory requirements made under the Health Act and applying to travel from South Africa.

From 9th January 2021, S.I. No. 3 of 2021 placed obligations on passengers arriving from South Africa relating to pre-departure testing. From 16 January, this requirement was extended under to travel from all overseas countries.

From 6th February 2021, S.I. No. 44 of 2021 placed obligations on passengers travelling from Category 2 states (which included South Africa) relating to pre-departure testing and self-quarantine on arrival.

The Health (Amendment) Act 2021 was enacted on 7th March and provided for a system of mandatory quarantine at designated facilities for passengers travelling to the State from countries designated by the Minister for Health, on the advice of the CMO and following consultation with other relevant Ministers. The designation of South Africa was revoked by Ministerial order on 27th August 2021.

From 29 November 2021, S.I. No. 639 of 2021 placed a restriction on travel to the State within 14 days of having been in a ‘scheduled states’ (7 countries including South Africa). Exemptions to this restriction were provided for Irish, UK, EU citizens, and third country nationals with rights to residency, diplomats and transport workers. S.I. No. 639 of 2021 also made provision for testing and self-quarantine obligations applying to travellers who had been in a scheduled state and who were not subject to the restriction on travel. These measures were lifted on 22 December 2021.