The government's being accused of "incompetence" for failing to have legislation prepared for mandatory quarantine in hotels.
It announced the measure last week for those arriving from Brazil, South Africa, or arrivals who don't have a negative PCR test.
But Cabinet heard yesterday the process will be delayed for weeks as legislation needs to be drawn up.
Labour Party leader Alan Kelly says it's a "colossal error".
"If they needed primary legislation, how haven't they dealt with it now and it's going to take many more weeks?
"It's shocking. It is incompetence. It is absolutely ridiculous.
"This really will be a significant issue, because so many people are going to come into this country while the Government have been twiddling their thumbs, thinking about doing this but most importantly not using the time to implement this."
