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20th May 2021

Government to outline “comprehensive” plan for return of international travel

Sarah McKenna Barry

A statement regarding the return of international travel is expected to be made next week.

The government are expected to shortly reveal a “comprehensive” plan outlining the return of international travel.

According to The Irish Times, at a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting, Micheál Martin said that the plan would also address the future of mandatory quarantine in Ireland.

The Taoiseach added that the return of sport and entertainment during the next phase of reopening would also be included in the plan.

Martin said that the EU’s digital green certificate programme was factored into the return of international travel, a programme which would enable people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel freely in the EU.

The certs will also be given to those who have recovered from Covid-19 and to those who are able to produce a negative test result.

The Taoiseach also said that the country’s progress in rolling out the vaccine will be a factor in the return of international travel and pointed to the fact that up to one million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are expected to be administered in Ireland in the month of May.

On Wednesday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed that there would be no substantial meal rule and no time limits as outdoor dining resumes next month.

Varadkar said that all restaurants and pubs will operate by table service, and that up to six people from any number of households will be permitted to meet at one table.

Guidelines for restaurants and pubs are still being prepared by Fáilte Ireland, but the Tánaiste added that he is hopeful indoor dining will return in July, Covid cases permitting.

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