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The transport minister has told Dáil that the Cabinet will make a decision next Tuesday on how it plans to implement the new EU traffic light system governing travel between countries.
But speaking this afternoon, Eamon Ryan said that it’s likely a month or two before he’s in place.
Last week, EU countries agreed to adopt the traffic light system for tourist travel during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its aim is to break down a confusing patchwork of restrictions across Europe and regain the free movement of people, one of the key principles of the EU.
Ryan said his intention is to seek the government’s support to introduce a testing regime that allows passengers entering the country to waive the current restriction of movement rules.
Having a testing regimen will address many of the difficulties and hopefully give people the confidence to fly or know that it is safe, he said.
However, he said it will likely take a month or two before the new system is implemented as it will not be easy.
The Minister said that the Government will seek to ensure a proper balance between travel and the protection of public health.
But the goal is to give airlines and the traveling public the certainty of what they must do in order to travel.
He said that we must create the conditions that allow Ryanair flights to return to Cork and Shannon airports.
The airline announced today that it will close the two regional bases for the winter.
Ryan said that as an island, the nation of Ireland is particularly dependent on connectivity.
Aviation plays a critical role in our economy and Cork and Shannon are key players in delivering high quality international connectivity to their regions.
He said the Government recognizes this and is committed to ensuring that both airports are well positioned to assist our recovery and play their role in maintaining connectivity going forward.
The traffic light system is a positive first step in enabling international travel
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