AQW 11603/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 04/12/2020
Answered On Date: 19/08/2021
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what discussions he has had with the Minister for Infrastructure concerning the implementation of Test to Release for International Travel scheme in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The test to release scheme is a voluntary UK Government initiative that was introduced in England only in December 2020.

At that time there were no plans to introduce such a scheme in Northern Ireland as the evidence supported a full 10 day self-isolation period and this remains the case. The recent introduction of travel restriction relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, EU or USA removes the requirement to self-isolate on arrival from amber list countries, which will undoubtedly assist travellers to NI.