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Executive ministers have been debating a temporary travel ban from Britain to Northern Ireland, according to reports tonight (Sunday).
Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill tweeted this afternoon that the Executive was scheduled to meet at 9 p.m. tonight after several government ministers called for an emergency executive meeting on Covid-19 restrictions.
In discussions, which would see an amendment to the 1967 Public Health Act, Sinn Fein has expressed support for a ban, however, there are practical questions about how quickly such a ban could be introduced, given how long it will take. it would probably take the department. of Health to prepare the regulations that make it effective.
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PA reports that the DUP’s position is that internal UK travel is already banned in Level 4 areas in England, so no need to add Stormont legislation to enforce that.
The party believes that the responsibility for stopping flights and ferries within the UK is a problem for the UK government.
The DUP has also raised concerns that Stormont could be exposed to compensation liabilities if it were to legislate on the issue.
It is understood that Health Department officials have been asked to do additional work to examine the issues related to the travel restriction to Northern Ireland.
The emergency meeting continues tonight, with ministers discussing the region’s bubbling Christmas arrangements.
Under current plans, up to three households will be allowed to meet in ‘social bubbles’ between 23-27 December, unlike the rest of the UK.
In a letter seen by the Palestinian Authority news agency, Justice Minister Naomi Long, Finance Minister Conor Murphy and Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon expressed concern about the most infectious variant of the coronavirus found in England.
“The speed and scale of virus transmission and the fact that it is so rapid is a cause for alarm for all of us,” the parties said in a joint letter.
“Although our Executive met last Thursday and moved to make decisions before others, it would be prudent for the entire Executive to be informed by the Minister of Health and the Medical Director and the Scientific Director at the first opportunity.
“We must be sure that our regulations and restrictions during the Christmas period and those agreed for the next six-week period are strong enough to safeguard public health in the context of these latest developments.”
It is also understood that the Assembly will be revoked on Monday to allow Education Minister Peter Weir to face questions about the reopening of schools.
Weir confirmed on Friday that all schools and educational settings would reopen in the first week of January, however, he faces increasing calls to review the decision.
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle, who is chair of the education committee, asked that the Assembly sit down this week.
He tweeted on Sunday: “I understand that the Minister of Education has accepted the need to give a statement on security and contingency for school restart, transfer tests and exams in January at the Assembly tomorrow. Speaker confirmation pending. “
Prime Minister Boris Johnson canceled Christmas for millions of people in London and south-east England after scientists said a new variant of the coronavirus is spreading faster.
Ms. O’Neill said Saturday: “Bubbly Christmas arrangements are in place for those who feel they need to join.
“If you must take advantage of them, consider doing it for just one day, on Christmas Day.
“Keep your bubble as small as possible and gather for the shortest time possible.
“We are clearly very concerned about the Covid-19 situation that is developing. The speed at which this variant strain of the virus is spreading is of great concern. “
On Sunday, the Northern Ireland Department of Health confirmed that another 13 people with Covid-19 had died within a 24-hour period, bringing the death toll to 1,196.
505 new cases of the virus were also reported in the region.
There were 421 Covid-19 patients in hospitals, including 30 in the ICU.
The Northern Ireland Executive decided last week to impose a six-week lockdown from December 26.
The first week of the measures will see the toughest lockdown yet in Northern Ireland, with a form of curfew in place from 8pm, shops closed thereafter, and all indoor and outdoor gatherings banned. until 6 am
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