TD pushes for digital green cert to open up country in summer
A“digital green certificate” should be immediately developed to allow vaccinated people to travel freely around Ireland this summer and would lead to the partial reopening of the hospitality sector, according to new proposals.
Fianna Fáil’s James O’Connor, at 23 the youngest TD in the Dáil, said that the summer is “the time to reward” older people and frontline workers by permitting them to travel domestically and avail of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality — once they can prove they are fully vaccinated.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent, the East Cork TD said the introduction of a digital green pass would allow those who are vaccinated to begin to return to normal activities.
He feels an app could be developed immediately, and the Department of Health should look to implement these plans with haste.
“Our older people have had to spend a lot of time cocooning and our frontline health workers have been our heroes, our saviours. These are the people who have made the most sacrifices and they rightly deserve to be vaccinated first.
“They also deserve to be able to travel anywhere in Ireland and enjoy hospitality, ahead of the rest of the country being fully vaccinated — which will hopefully be done by the autumn.
“The Department of Health developed the Covid-19 app very successfully. It was the envy of much of the world.
“We are home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, so a digital green pass could be quickly developed and rolled out. I have now recommended my plans to the Department of Health.
“There is already a mobile app system being trialled in Israel and it’s been very successful. I believe preparations should be made to have a similar system in Ireland right away.”
The Fianna Fáil transport spokesman said a digital green pass app on a mobile phone could be used to ensure there was sufficient tracking and tracing. He added that he recognised the potential data privacy concerns that may accompany such a system.
The reopening of society this summer for those who have been vaccinated would give the entire country hope, added the 23-yearold. In addition, it could give a much-needed cash injection to the hospitality sector — as well as serving as a “trial run” for the reopening of the entire country towards the end of the year.
“The mood of the nation is a serious concern,” said the TD. “People are angry and frustrated with what they believe is a failed suppression strategy.
“I think we need to give people hope, and also to give people something tangible, so when they receive their vaccines they can be rewarded in some way.
“It will give people back the dignity which this pandemic has cruelly taken away. Overall, we need to figure out a way that we can all get through the next five to six months,” he said.