FAMILIES in Northern Ireland will be reunited for up to five days over Christmas after agreement between the UK government and the devolved adminstrations to relax coronavirus restrictions.
But so far there has been no breakthrough in discussions that would enable people to visit friends and family on the either side of the Irish border.
A statement from the British government's Cabinet Office at the weekend said it is recognised that many people in Northern Ireland would want to travel across the entire island. However, the Dublin government has yet to comment on whether it will be cooperating with the Stormont executive and British government on measures to permit cross-border visits during the festive period.
SDLP health spokesman Colin McGrath last night urged a degree of leniency that took into account scientific and medical advice.
“The Christmas period on this island is unique – people return home from across the border and across the world to share a few days with family," the South Down MLA said.
"If possible, we should be exploring how we can ensure that happens to give people a sense of hope at the end of a very difficult year but it must be informed by the scientific and medical advice."
Under the measures outlined last night, people from three households can meet indoors in a so-called bubble from December 23-27.
First Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the agreement, which extends across the north and Britain.
"We of course recognise how important Christmas time is for so many people in Northern Ireland and the fact we have been able to secure agreement across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland - the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom - is very strong because of course we know that people will want to come together from the four parts of the UK to be together at Christmas," she said.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the announcement as a "message of hope" while urging people to be responsible, safe and mindful of healthcare workers.
"There is a risk associated with allowing people to come together," she said.
Details of the plan will be announced shortly and come after agreement was reached at a Cobra meeting bringing together the British government and the devolved administrations.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously acknowledged the risks involved in a Christmas relaxation, saying it is the "season to be jolly careful", but the British government was determined to give families the chance to meet up at the end of a grim year.
Ahead of the Cobra meeting chaired by Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was hoped they could agree a "common framework" across the UK, although there may be some regional differences.
There could be variations on issues including the definition of a household - to "reflect the different circumstances in each nation".
