Foster says Varadkar’s comments on cross-border travel are ‘regrettable’

STORMONT LEADERS have criticized Leo Varadkar “out of touch” for cross-border travel during the pandemic.

The Irish government is not planning a travel ban to restrict the spread of the coronavirus between the Republic and Northern Ireland, the Tanaiste said today.

However, Varadkar was reported to have said yesterday at a Fine Gael parliamentary meeting that cross-border travel may not be advised once Ireland’s restrictions are eased, due to higher Covid-19 infection rates. in Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Arlene Foster said she was “astonished, if not a little surprised, that the Tánaiste indicated that people from the Republic of Ireland would not be able to travel to see their families in Northern Ireland during the Christmas period.”

“It is really unfortunate that the Tanaiste makes such comments.”

He referred to Ireland’s determination to keep the border open after Brexit, adding: “It appears that the border has reappeared.

“We want to see good cooperation across the British Isles so that the family can be together properly during the holiday period.”

Stormont Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill also said: “It has shown that you are completely disconnected from the reality of life on this island.”

Tomorrow, Northern Ireland enters a two-week circuit breaker designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Varadkar told Dáil here today that “it is not a question of a total travel ban between north and south.”

“It is not under consideration, it is not being discussed, period,” he said.

“We don’t have a travel ban with Poland, we are certainly not going to have one with Northern Ireland.”

He told the Dáil that when Ireland’s Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed next week as expected, travel between counties would remain restricted and would only be allowed for work, school, or other essential purposes like caring for an elderly relative. .

“That means inter-county travel, including cross-border travel to shop or visit friends or family, will not be allowed,” he said.

“We hope to be in a position to advise people who can travel between counties, including Northern Ireland, to visit friends and family closer to Christmas, but that will depend on epidemiological data at that time.”