Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport Darren O’Rourke TD today said that Government excuses and delays on mandatory hotel quarantine have been totally exposed.

His comments come as the British Government this afternoon announced detailed plans on their mandatory quarantine system for arrivals from thirty-three red listed countries.

The Meath East TD said:

“As the British Government announced detailed plans for mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals from 33 red-list countries, the Irish Government’s strategy is still non-existent.

“The Irish Government’s excuses and delays have been shredded when you look at the actions across the Irish Sea.

“While the Government in London announced 4,600 hotel rooms have been secured by the Government, the £1,750 cost to travellers, the length of isolation and the severe penalties for dodging the new requirements, the Government in Dublin are still at sixes and sevens on the issue.

“We are at a crucial juncture in our fight against Covid-19, but the Government here seem incapable of taking the necessary decisions.

“It is incomprehensible why they are still resisting the need for mandatory hotel quarantine for all non-essential arrivals, in order to protect our population from further infections or new coronavirus variants.

“The British Government also announced mandatory testing post-arrival for all travellers, on days two and eight – something Sinn Féin have repeatedly called for here but, again, the Government here have resisted.

“Britain have placed 33 countries on their red list, covering over 800 million people, yet arrivals from just two countries here, Brazil and South Africa, are subject to tighter restrictions.

“The justifications against mandatory hotel quarantine here do not stand up and the Government must reverse their incorrect decision and introduce it with immediate effect.

“We cannot afford to waste any more time on this important public health measure.”