HEALTH Minister Robin Swann is today expected to present the Executive with proposals to curtail travel to and from Britain in an effort to stem the spread of a new strain of coronavirus.
It will be the second time the Executive has convened in 48 hours, following a hastily arranged meeting on Sunday after news of the new, more virulent strain emerged.
With an EU-wide ban on flights from the UK and tight travel restrictions in place in Britain, Mr Swann is expected to propose similar blocks on visitors entering the north.
Speaking in the assembly yesterday, Mr Swann said: "This is an exceptionally sensitive time."
He said he was engaging with the attorney general "to see what can be done, what is necessary to do".
"That will be a decision for the Executive to make together," he said.
However First Minister Arlene Foster last night said closing Northern Ireland to travellers from the rest of the UK would have serious ramifications.
She said ministers were very concerned about the highly infectious mutation and tests were ongoing.
The DUP leader added: "It is a very simplistic thing to say, 'let's close Northern Ireland off'.
"That has ramifications and as first minister I have to take all those into account as well.
"I have always tried to be proportionate and balanced in everything that I have done through this crisis, and I am going to continue to do that."
Sinn Féin has urged its powersharing partners the DUP to agree to an immediate response and expressed concern over flights arriving on Monday into Northern Ireland.
Mrs Foster however said she was awaiting a paper from Mr Swann indicating the risk posed by people travelling into the north.
Those in the highest level of restriction, Tier 4, are already barred from travelling to Northern Ireland.
She said she understood the risk posed by travelling was "small in nature" compared to other matters and warned supply chains could be affected.
Meanwhile, shipping operator Stena Line has said it is adding a second ferry on its direct route between the Republic and France, enabling hauliers avoid Britain and Covid-related travel restrictions.
The company said it would be bringing forward plans to double the capacity and frequency of its direct sailings by two weeks from the originally planned January 4 start date.
Lorries from the Republic ended up stranded in England and traffic has come to standstill at English Channel ports due to France’s ban on accompanied road freight.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan separately announced "a minimum of two consular flights from Great Britain to get Irish residents stranded home to Ireland."
The flights, which will take place this evening, will also be accessible to Irish-bound passengers who are transiting through British airports who have also become stranded.
At least one flight will depart from London, the other departure airport will be decided by the demand from those who contact the Department of Foreign Affairs assistance line.
The flights will be open to Irish residents and transiting passengers only.
Separately the minister said a small number of Irish residents who are stranded in Great Britain after taking short trips in their vehicle will be brought back by ferry companies who agreed to give "exceptional access to ferry services that are currently for freight only in order to return home."
Anyone seeking advice for either flight or ferry transport should call the dedicated assistance line on 00353 1 6131700
In a separate development the Republic's Health Minister Stephen Donnelly last night welcomed the announcement by the European Commission that it has authorised the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.
This means that roll-out of the vaccines can begin across the European Union.
The minister said "within the coming days, we will begin administering this vaccine in Ireland. We have detailed plans in place for this roll-out through the National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy.
The most vulnerable will be prioritised first and over time, these vaccines will allow us to re-open our society and economy. In the meantime, I am asking everyone to continue to follow the public health guidance."
