Fine Gael’s Leader in the European Parliament, Seán Kelly MEP, today welcomed the COVID-19 Certificate saying that it could be a “major boost to the Irish economy and the wellbeing of our citizens”.
EU’s Covid-19 Certificate vote passed in the European Parliament by an overwhelming majority – 540 in favour, 31 abstentions, 119 against.
Covid-19 Certificate would allow travel
The proposed Regulation provides for a framework for the issuance, verification, and acceptance of interoperable certificates on vaccination, testing, and recovery to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Kelly said while free movement is at the core of the EU, the Covid-19 Certificate would allow travel in the EU during the pandemic with a common framework for certificates on vaccination, testing, and recovery. Following the adoption of the proposal in the Parliament, the negotiations with the Member States are expected to commence in May.
infringe on their civil liberties
Mr. Kelly said he appreciates the concerns of those who feel this will infringe on their civil liberties, but he believes that a harmonised approach between Member States will further facilitate cross border travel, not restrict it. He said that Europe’s vaccination rollout is starting to pick up pace. The Commission is confident that at least twelve EU Member States will have 70% of their adult populations vaccinated by mid-July, Ireland being one.
This is not a permanent measure
This certificate has the potential to be a big boost to the hospitality and tourism sector, who have had such a difficult time over the last year”, Kelly added. “This is not a permanent measure and that is explicitly stated in the Regulation, saying it could really benefit millions of people by allowing those with cert to move more freely across Europe”, Kelly pointed out.
For updated and factual Public Health information and advice on COVID-19 Coronavirus, please visit hse.ie/coronavirus or call 1800 700 700
For the latest information on the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme, please visit hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine
