Mums who allegedly refused hotel quarantine after Dubai trip allowed to leave Mountjoy prison as bail conditions relaxed
By
`Aodhan O'Faolain, 18:33, 4 APR 2021
They were granted bail by the district court on Saturday, but were unable to satisfy the financial conditions imposed on them, resulting in their incarceration at Mountjoy women's prison. Following an application by their lawyers on Sunday morning the judge directed an inquiry, under Article 40.4.2 of the constitution, into the legality of their detention at Mountjoy women's prison. However following discussions between lawyers for the parties that action has now been converted into a constitutional challenge against laws requiring persons to enter mandatory quarantine on their arrival into Ireland from certain countries. Lawyers for the DPP and the prison's governor opposed the application and had argued that their detention was valid. They also argued that while they were not unsympathetic to situations that the two women found themselves in, the mandatory quarantine was introduced in the interest of the greater public good to help counter Covid-19.
he mandatory quarantine had been introduced by the state following advice from experts, the court heard,
The two women attended the hearing via video link from the prison. The court heard that they had travelled to the UAE, where they were due but ultimately did not undergo cosmetic procedures.
The court also heard that the trips and procedures were birthday presents funded by the women's respective families and friends. The pair were granted bail by the District Court on Saturday, on terms including that they remain in the hotel, and that they provide their own bond of €800, of which €500 must be lodged.
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/mums-quarantine-dubai-dublin-airport-23852089