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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Garda enforcement of travel restrictions

Summary

Deputy Nash complained that his request for regulations to let Gardaí enforce travel restrictions on non-residents had gone unanswered for ten months. The Taoiseach said broader regulations arising from recent Government decisions would be drawn up by the end of the week.

Deputy McDonald is eating into her own members' time. I call Deputy Nash on behalf of the Labour Party.

Comment on this

As long ago as last April, I wrote to the Government and the then Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, requesting that regulations be drawn up to allow the Garda to enforce travel restrictions against non-residents of the Republic who were transiting through or visiting the State - people were transiting through with absolute impunity - and those who had no business being here. Ten months later I have yet to receive a response. Unfortunately, this is emblematic of the lax attitude and a deeper malaise at the heart of the Government in terms of contrary views on how the pandemic should be managed.

The Government, however, has now accepted the Labour Party's proposal that checks should be set up 5 km from the Border with Northern Ireland. Will the Taoiseach inform the House as to when the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, will sign those regulations and what sanctions will be contained in them?

Comment on this

We have no more than one minute for each question and answer. Will Members observe no more than one minute please?

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy for his query. The broad range of regulations, which will emanate from yesterday's Government decisions, will be drawn up, hopefully, by the end of the week.

Comment on this