Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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155. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if it will be ensured that all Army personnel who are going on peacekeeping duties abroad will receive the Covid-19 vaccine before they depart for duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9155/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The COVID-19 vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020. It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination.

The Defence Forces has established vaccine prioritisation which is in line with this national allocation strategy. Initial Vaccination priority is for Defence Force personnel who are providing front line support to the HSE and National Ambulance Service in the national effort to combat COVID 19. Personnel selected for overseas service will fall into a prioritised grouping, and will be vaccinated in line with the national allocation strategy and the Defence Forces prioritisation list, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE.