There are calls for Ireland to join in on European plans which would allow vaccinated travellers from all over the world to enter the country.
The Republic would not be covered by the agreement because it is not part of the Schengen free travel area, but the State could choose to opt in.
European Plans Could Open Ireland By Summer
The European Commission has presented plans to open up non-essential travel into the bloc.
That would be to people from all over the world who have been vaccinated and come from states with a low rate of transmission.
Ireland isn’t part of the Schengen travel area so can decide if it wants in or out.
Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher says if we opt in, Ireland could open its borders by mid summer.
"We have to be very positive and hopeful that, towards the middle of the summer, things will be very very different in Europe."
"If they are, we can have the discussions now, and put those measure in place."
"So if the situation improves around the epidemiological measures and the public health measures well then we can open up."
Time to revive 🇪🇺 tourism industry & for cross-border friendships to rekindle - safely.
We propose to welcome again vaccinated visitors & those from countries with a good health situation.
But if variants emerge we have to act fast: we propose an EU emergency brake mechanism.— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 3, 2021
The agreement would only apply to people who've had a vaccine which has been approved in the EU.
Also, once the digital green cert is ready.
Travel journalist Eoghan Corry thinks it's a no brainer
"There's no doubt we should opt in, we should follow what Europe's doing."
"But the debate here is that we've a very conservative NPHET advising a nervous Government."
"While public opinion has been very strongly against opening up international travel."
The government has been vague in terms of plans to return to international travel.
Taoiseach Michael Martin has previously raised the the possibility of non essential travel within Europe resuming in late July or August.
