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The Minister of Health wants to see new laws introduced to regulate people who travel to our ports and airports.
He follows reports that Gardaí can call the passengers’ houses to make sure they are in solitary confinement for two weeks.
It is after a third of the people who arrived at the Dublin airport recently did not fill out the forms correctly about where they were staying.
Simon Harris says legislation may be needed.
“I think we need to take more steps to toughen up at our airports and ports,” said Minister Harris.
“We already have the form that you must complete, you can be contacted to verify if it is self-insulated.
“But I would like to back this up through regulation to make it the law of the land.”
“It is complicated, it is not easy, but I don’t think it is impossible.”
Minister Helen McEntee says they are looking for ways to enforce those laws.
“We are taking specific steps to try to establish regulations to try to make it mandatory for people to provide these details so that they can be followed,” said Minister McEntee.
“But I would emphasize that the number of people entering is absolutely minimal and that the vast majority of people are Irish citizens returning home, and I think the vast majority of people adhere to these guidelines.”
Sinn Féin’s justice spokesman Martin Kenny says the plans are “tough” but justified.
“The idea that the gardaí will verify the people who have come to the country from abroad and make sure that they isolate themselves and adhere to the rules established for the benefit of all, I think that is probably a positive thing.
“At the same time, a small part of me thinks it is a bit harsh, but in the context of the circumstances we are in now I think all precautions should be taken.”
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