Written answers

Thursday, 28 January 2021

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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249. To ask the Minister for Health if passenger data for persons who are travelling to Northern Ireland via Dublin airport is being shared with the Northern Ireland Executive on public health grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4686/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There has been, and continues to be, engagement between myself and Minister Swann, and our officials, on data sharing from respective passenger locator forms. I most recently met with Minister Swann about the issue on the 20th of January.

Our Departments are finalising arrangements to allow the transfer of relevant data, taking account of data protection and other legal requirements. Both Departments acknowledge the good contacts and cooperation on this topic and more generally in responding to COVID19.

There is agreement that, as an interim measure, my Department will provide a follow-up text message service to passengers who travel on from Ireland to Northern Ireland, using the existing system for follow up contact with passengers.

I am aware of the risks posed to the entire island by international travel during the pandemic and am committed to strong, effective, and appropriate cooperation in order to manage these risks.

Photo of Gerald NashGerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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251. To ask the Minister for Health if sub-groups within category 7 of the national Covid-19 vaccination programme will be prioritised ahead of others in that cohort on the basis of urgent medical need; the way in which this will be achieved in practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4696/21]

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: .

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

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