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Despite a holiday ban due to the corona pandemic, media reports suggest that thousands of Irish have recently flown abroad.
To do this, they used a loophole in the legislation: Travel is allowed if it is necessary for health reasons.
Numerous people have now booked dental appointments in Spain, for example, reported the Internet portal “Politico” on Tuesday.
A dental assistant on the Spanish Canary Island of Tenerife told RTÉ Radio that her practice received five to seven appointment requests from the Irish every day.
Many of the inquiries come from young couples.
Usually the patients are elderly European travelers, said the dental assistant.
This wave of bookings is new - and many then do not keep their appointment.
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“Since they don't show up, we understand that this is just an excuse for a vacation.
You take appointments away from people who need them and are in pain, ”she said.
As "Politico" reported, several practices in the Canary Islands are now rejecting Irish patients or demanding advance payment.
Authorities are planning higher fines
The hands of the Irish police are tied.
Fines of 500 euros have already been imposed on hundreds of people.
However, the police have no right to prevent travelers from leaving the country if they can show confirmed appointments.
Other destinations included Barcelona, Turkey and Morocco.
The authorities are now planning to increase the fines significantly to 2000 euros.
Police chief Drew Harris warned travelers that they could be arrested if they violated the corona rules.