Minster for Justice says it would “not be appropriate” to put Gardaí at mandatory quarantine hotels

"Those who are serving their period of quarantine have committed no crime."

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said that Gardaí will not be used to man Ireland's mandatory quarantine hotels. Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, McEntee said it would "not be appropriate" to put Gardaí in the quarantine hotels as the people staying there would have committed no crime, but will be called to these facilities if the need arises. "It's important to note that those who are serving their period of quarantine have committed no crime," McEntee said. "It would therefore not be appropriate for members of An Garda Síochána to provide a permanent presence at such locations. "However, where issues arise where there are public order incidents or attempts to breach the regulations which are in place for public safety, my department and An Garda Síochána will of course provide assistance."

McEntee also reassured the Dáil that there is ongoing cooperation between the Government and Gardaí on Covid-19 measures and other issues.

The Health (Amendment) Bill will introduce quarantining in a designated facility for passengers from 20 countries where a variant of Covid-19 is present which is a "particularly high risk". As part of the legislation, there is also a compulsory quarantine for passengers who arrive into Ireland without a negative PCR test in the 72 hours before travelling. The traveller will foot a bill of around €2,000, which will cover accommodation, full board, laundry and transport. Earlier this week, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said there are currently 1,000 to 3,500 international arrivals into the country each day and that over 10,000 people had arrived into Dublin last week. On Tuesday, the Government announced that Ireland will extend its Level 5 restrictions until at least 5 April. However, some school children will begin returning to school is phases, starting from next week.