Public must be reassured on travel following Green List shambles
- Definition of essential travel and publication of health advice needed.
- Lack of measures to assure public worrying.
Following the Cabinet decision last night the Government must draw a line under the shambles over the Green list and concerns about unregulated quarantine for visitors here, said Labour Transport spokesperson Duncan Smith by publishing a clear definition of essential travel, the public health advice they received, along with clear communications now on the rules covering international travel.
Deputy Smith said:
“The Cabinet decision last night brought some clarity to the shambles we’ve seen over international travel but it still doesn’t address the concerns people have over travel.
“Everyone knows that green means go. However we’ve had a fortnight of mixed messages about international travel into and out of our island.
“We still have no definition of essential travel and the criteria that apply for Irish people who have bookings for holidays in Green list locations is not clear. If they cancel their holiday can they get a refund? The Government should also publish the public health advice they relied on for their decision.
“The mixed messages must now stop, and the Cabinet decision last night is the first step to address that. However more needs to be done.
“I’ve called for a number of clear measures that would reassure the public and address concerns as the rules we’ve had to date are unworkable and unenforceable. Specifically I called for testing of visitors from Covid-19 hotspots more than a week ago and in person follow up with those who are meant to be in quarantine in 14 days. Sadly that was not announced last night.”