Irish MEPs have written to the government seeking a waiver on the Covid-19 rules on returning to Ireland from Belgium or France.

In a joint letter, Fianna Fil, FineGail and Green Party MIPs called for the removal of the 14-day embargo requirement for MEPs who receive a negative corona virus test before leaving Brussels.

The request follows drama Phil Hogan, the European Union ‘s commissioner for Ireland, resigned last week After discovering that he had not complied with his obligation to control his movements when he arrived from a country other than the Green List.

The letter, published by several media outlets, was sent to the leaders of the three party groups within the European Parliament, Taoist Michael Martin and tennis leo Varadkar.

The MEPs argue that the 14-day embargo could limit their ability to perform their duties while moving between Ireland, Brussels and Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament.

“This week, the European Parliament reconvened after the summer recess and will sit weekly in Strasbourg or Brussels until Christmas.

“In order to fulfill our responsibilities fully, we need to be personally involved,” said Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fil MEP for Ireland South), Zion Kelly (Fine Gail MEP for Ireland South), and Sierra Cafe (Dublin Green Party MEP).

“According to current guidelines, each of us must fix the ship for two weeks when we return to Ireland, which significantly restricts our operations while we are at home.

“It simply came to our notice then[s] Essential workers are under consideration and are expected to take into account the needs of those in similar situations, be they long-distance heavy goods vehicle drivers or government ministers.

“We believe that pre- and post-travel Covid-19 testing will reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus and will allow Irish MEPs to perform their job to the fullest,” the MEPs wrote.