Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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1388. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered implementing mandatory Covid-19 tests for inward visitors from China to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1076/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The international epidemiological situation in relation to COVID-19 and travel is closely monitored, including collaboratively with EU partners.

EU Member States have agreed a package of measures around travel from China. On this basis we have issued enhanced travel advice for people travelling to and from China including that facemasks be worn for the duration of journeys from China to Ireland.  

A focus of our this EU collaboration has been how Member States can cooperate to improve surveillance of any potential variants emerging. Waste waters stemming from airports with international flights are currently subject to testing and sequencing. Preparations for wastewater surveillance of direct flights from any given risk area have been advanced in light of the EU recommendations.

Consideration of any additional measures is being given within the context of ongoing risk assessments. 

Up-to-date information for people travelling to Ireland is available on gov.ie.