The Government has delayed the introduction of PCR and antigen testing for air and sea passengers arriving into Ireland until Sunday.
The measure was due to come into force today, however an Aer Lingus spokesperson told RTÉ News that they were informed last night by the Government that the regulations will be delayed until then.
The Government delayed the testing requirement in order to allow passengers and carriers to prepare for the measure.
A senior Government source said this would give more time, for example, for passengers to get a PCR test and result before travelling into Ireland.
The Minister for Transport has said anyone arriving into the State after midnight on Saturday and from Sunday morning will be required to present either an antigen test or PCR test which does not indicate the presence of Covid-19.
Speaking at a Government press conference following the announcement of further restrictions, Eamon Ryan said people who are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 will be required to take an antigen test while those who are unvaccinated will need a PCR test.
He said there was a delay to allow airports and others to set the system up.
Sinn Féin's health spokesperson David Cullinane said the Government "need to better communicate the decisions they make". He added: "Many will have already gotten their tests at a great cost.
Sinn Féin's health spokesperson David Cullinane said the Government "need to better communicate the decisions they make".
He added: "Many will have already gotten their tests at a great cost.
Meanwhile, the Bill providing for the reintroduction of mandatory hotel quarantine has been passed by the Oireachtas.
Senators approved the Health Amendment Bill without a vote.
It will now be sent to President Micheal D Higgins for his consideration.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told the Dáil last night that he recognised this was an "extraordinary measure" but contended it was warranted on the basis that the proposal was both targeted and time limited.
Preparation for hotel quarantine is under way, including procurement for food and accommodation.
Mr Donnelly said Ireland "will be in a better position to act quickly" if legislation is introduced ahead of this measure being needed.
The minister said the bill is designed "to strengthen Ireland's ability to respond" to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
It strikes "a fair and proportionate response", the minister added, balancing public health and individual rights.
Mr Donnelly said that hotel quarantine may be necessary "for a limited time" to give us time to increase vaccination rates and deliver promising anti-viral drugs.
The biggest benefit of quarantine previously was that it delayed visits to Ireland from countries of concern.
Mr Donnelly said the bill contains new provisions based on lessons learned from Ireland's previous experience, including the speeding up of the appeals process.
It again includes a sunset clause, he said.
Additional reporting Paul Cunningham, Cillian Sherlock
