Taoiseach: Talks ongoing on 'two-island' solution to mandatory quarantining

Micheál Martin also warned that given the high level of community transmission, 'I don’t think one can envisage any significant relaxation of restrictions at this particular point in time'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the 'two-island' solution was workable and discussions had been held between Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and his UK counterpart, Matt Hancock.

Talks are ongoing on a "two-island solution" to mandatory quarantining between Ireland and the UK, the Taoiseach has confirmed.

Speaking on Friday evening, Micheál Martin said the solution was workable and that discussions had been held between Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and his UK counterpart, Matt Hancock. However, Mr Martin said the Northern Executive's resistance to the idea that those who fly from Britain to the North quarantine in a hotel for two weeks could be an issue. He said the talks were "embryonic".