Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has said Delta data from the UK will send a “clear signal” on how we proceed with reopening but he can’t see Ireland rowing back on any restrictions we’ve relaxed.
Mr Ryan was speaking on his way into Cabinet at Dublin Castle and said the updated data from the UK regarding the Delta variant later this week will be "significant."
He said the Irish government will have an advantage in seeing the UK's data.
On indoor dining and the reports that 1.8 million people could be sent a letter proving their vaccine or Covid-19 status to allow them eat and drink inside, Mr Ryan said the process will take a bit of time to get right.
He said: “We want to get everyone vaccinated I hope and everyone back dining and be able to socialise, it’ll just take a bit of time to get it right.”
He said he expected that travel within the EU will be “on track” for July 19 but said “it’s not going to be a huge change..it will be step by step.”
He said in August, the government will start bringing public transport back to full levels, students will be back to colleges and workers will return to offices in September.
When asked if there was any chance the government would go back on any of the restrictions that have already been relaxed due to concerns around the Delta variant, Mr Ryan said: “I don’t think so because the vaccines are working..unless something unexpected happens..”
He said so far the vaccines are effective against any variants but later this week the government is waiting for data from the UK that will show the impact the Delta variant has on hospitalisations and this will send “a clear signal.”
He added that Ireland would proceed with reopening in a staged process adding “I think that’s more appropriate, there are risks.”
On travel between the UK and Ireland, Mr Ryan said tougher restrictions for travel from the UK to here was introduced three weeks ago and that was due to concern over the Delta variant.
He said the move was to slow down travel because we’re in a “race between the vaccines and the Delta variant.”
However, he said Dr Tony Holohan has said now that 70% of Covid-19 cases here are the Delta variant.
Mr Ryan described British Prime Minister as “subdued” yesterday after Mr Johnson announced that the majority of restrictions in the UK will be lifted on July 19.
He said: “I’d imagine it’s because he’s realising he’s taking certain risks..but that’s for the UK government, we’ve to manage our own affairs.”
