DUBLIN, July 31 (Reuters) - Ryanair has initiated
legal proceedings against Ireland, questioning the legality of
travel restrictions that have kept a quarantine policy in place
for all but 15 countries, the Irish Independent reported on
Friday.
The Irish airline, the largest budget carrier in Europe, is
seeking a judicial review of the decision that resulted in the
production of a "green list" of countries, for which a 14-day
quarantine requirement would not apply.
Ireland has taken a more cautious approach to reopening its
economy and skies than many European countries. The green list,
announced on July 22, contained some popular destinations
Ryanair flies to, such as Italy and Greece, but not others
including Britain, France and Spain.
This list is due to be reviewed next week and is unlikely to
be enlarged.
Ryanair argues the list was not provided for in legislation
and parliament was denied the opportunity to scrutinise it when
it was put in place by way of public announcement, the Irish
Independent said.
A spokeswoman for Ryanair was not immediately available for
comment.
Asked about reports of a potential challenge by Ryanair on
Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the government
would wait to see what case the airline made but that the advice
from the authorities on travel was clear.
Ryanair, British Airways and easyJet
launched a similar challenge against the British government last
month, but said they would end the action after London scrapped
its 14-day quarantine rule for travellers coming from some of
the most popular tourist destinations.
(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Mark Potter)