I have continuously highlighted the need to implement in full the restrictions on travel to this country.  It is essential that the regulations are applied to persons regardless of their place of residence in this State or elsewhere.

You will note from the reply below by the Minister for Health to my most recent Parliamentary Question in Dáil Éireann that the government is drawing up measures to tighten restrictions on travel into and out of this State.

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For Written Answer on : 28/01/2021
Question Number(s): 287 Question Reference(s): 4900/21
Department: Health
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 14 January 2021, if additional measures will be introduced in co-ordination with the authorities in Northern Ireland to ensure that restrictions on travel are strictly implemented regardless of persons being ordinarily resident in this State or not; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 701 of 2020) came into operation on 30 December, 2020. These Regulations provide that a person may not leave their place of residence without reasonable excuse. The regulations define place of residence for people resident in the State and people not ordinarily resident in the State. In relation to a person who is not ordinarily resident in the State, the regulations define place of residence as the premises in the State, if any, at which he or she is currently residing, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. The Deputy will be aware that the Government is drawing up measures to tighten restrictions on travel into and out of the State as a matter of urgency.

I am aware of the risks posed to the entire island by international travel during the pandemic and will continue discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government on opportunities for increased alignment and common outcomes on travel issues more generally.