Safety First

Varadkar: Ireland can’t close itself off indefinitely. ‘Green list’ of countries to be published next week

- Aine McMahon

Leo Varadkar would like to see a return to international travel as soon as it is safe to do so and said Ireland cannot close itself off indefinitely.

Current advice states to avoid non-essential travel and the Tanaiste stressed those guidelines were still in place.

He said: “The current travel advice, however, has not changed and that is to avoid non-essential travel.”

A “green list” of countries is still set to be published by the Government next week in coordination with the European Union but Mr. Varadkar cautioned it will be subject to change and will be updated every two weeks.

For people who travel to the countries that are on the green list, the 14-day quarantine will not apply.

The Tanaiste said: “Speaking as Minister for Employment and Trade, I would certainly like to see a return to international travel as soon as that is safe.

“I am also conscious of the fact thousands of people work in the domestic tourism sector and in our airports and airlines.

“I’m also conscious that people have worked very hard over the past few months and are looking forward to a break but it has to be done safely.