Written answers

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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923. To ask the Minister for Health the breakdown by location for the transmission of the Covid-19 virus listed as community transmission; if a more detailed breakdown of the locations in which the virus is spreading in the community will be provided; and if the spread of the virus is too rapid, the areas transmission is occurring. [10004/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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925. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which pharmacists will be used in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10012/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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926. To ask the Minister for Health when family carers will be vaccinated for Covid-19. [10018/21]

Photo of Patricia RyanPatricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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1007. To ask the Minister for Health if family carers will be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10338/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 926 and 1007 together.

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.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group started in the week beginning the 15thof February. 

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.

Family carers are a diverse group, therefore, each individual will be vaccinated in the group that is appropriate to them.  

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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927. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department in conjunction with the Health Service Executive can ensure that family carers receive appropriate quantities of personal protective equipment, PPE; and if he will consider introducing a subvention scheme to alleviate the cost burden associated with the purchasing of same. [10019/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE currently supplies PPE to Acute Hospitals, the National Ambulance Service, Long Term Residential Settings, Public Home Care, Primary Care-based clinics, Testing Centres, Community Assessment Hubs, Public Dentists, and GP/ Out of Hours Practices, in the interests of both staff and patient safety in both preventative and therapeutic usage settings through the PPE supply chain established at local level.

At this time, the provision of PPE to family carers has not been indicated by Public Health or the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and therefore the HSE has no plans to introduce a subvention scheme.  The HSE acknowledges the valuable role of carers and families, home support workers and providers across the services in supporting older people and their care groups throughout this challenging period’.

Relevant HPSC Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for family and friends (informal carers) who support people in their own homes is available at;

Family carers should operate in support bubbles and there is guidance in this regard on the Government website here;

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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928. To ask the Minister for Health if persons that have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be obliged to quarantine when travelling to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10024/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It is not yet understood whether available vaccines prevent vaccinated persons from being infected or transmitting the disease to others.  As such, the impact vaccinations will have on travel policies internationally is yet to be determined. The WHO continues to caution governments against introducing immunity passports at this time.

At present, vaccinated persons are required to observe the mandatory quarantine that is in place after travelling to Ireland from overseas.

The Government gives continuing consideration to travel policy informed by the epidemiological situation internationally and public health advice.

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