A major row has erupted within Government over plans by the Department of Health to extend mandatory hotel quarantine to 43 additional countries, including the United States, France and Germany. A source with knowledge of the Attorney General’s letter said it was “very clear” in expressing concerns that health officials had not followed the correct process or adhered to the legislation the Oireachtas passed on quarantine when formulating their advice. Government sources say they believe the plans were being progressed by health officials without asking for advice or feedback before making the recommendation. Separately, The Irish Times has learned that the changes to the strategy were discussed last week by a powerful group of officials. Senior coalition sources said the changes were discussed at the Cabinet subcommittee on Monday evening, but only briefly.

Source: The Irish Times April 01, 2021 00:00 UTC