Micheál Martin Vows “Every Effort Will Be Made” To Reopen International Travel

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has vowed “every effort will be made” to reopen international travel as soon as possible. Speaking at a parliamentary party meeting last night, the Fianna Fail leader said, “no effort will be spared”.

Plans will be unveiled by the government on the reopening of aviation, entertainment, and sport, as early as next week. According to the Taoiseach, a “comprehensive statement” will be made when the next phase of reopening occurs in June and July.

At the parliamentary meeting last night, Micheál Martin said there is a necessity to “reboot” the “crucial” travel and aviation sector. The “comprehensive” plan for travel and the aviation sector should be in place to be ready “by the end of the month”. The Taoiseach said the plan for the reboot will be revealed ahead of further easing of the restrictions in July.

“No effort will be spared to get international travel re-established. Next week we’ll have proposals on that going before the Government”. Micheál added, “We are in a different space with vaccination and as a small open economy aviation is really important. We must ensure connectivity for tourism, the economy and future growth.”

Martin has said the government is fully committed to regional connectivity and Shannon Airport, as it is “crucial to tourism and economic growth of all regions in the country. There will need to be an effective rebooting of aviation and we will engage with the airlines and airports.”

The topic of mandatory hotel quarantine also came up in Micheál Martin’s announcement, telling his party that the government is currently reviewing the system. The Taoiseach also spoke of the need to ensure connectivity for “tourism, the economy and further, future growth”.

“The government is committed to regional connectivity and is committed to Shannon airport,” Micheál declared. “There will need to be an effective rebooting of aviation and we will engage with the airlines and airports.”

According to Mr Martin, the EU Digital Certificate (EDC) provides a framework to get travel back. The Taoiseach added, “We are in a different space with vaccination and as a small open economy aviation is really important. There will need to be an effective rebooting of aviation and we will engage with the airlines and airports. This is crucial to tourism and economic growth of all regions in the country.”

As part of the next phase of reopening for June and July, Micheál Martin said the announcement will also include plans for the future of sports and entertainment.