Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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302. To ask the Minister for Health if it is planned to recruit dentists as part of the Covid-19 vaccine teams in view of their qualifications and their experience and particularly to allow for the more rapid roll-out of the vaccine in rural areas; if so, when they will be recruited and mobilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10802/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE are building and deploying its workforce in order to be prepared for the requirements associated with rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine programme.

The vaccine rollout is being conducted on a 7-day week basis and to date, more than 7,400 staff have received training to operate as vaccinators. To support the expanded immunisation programme the HSE launched a vaccinator recruitment campaign last week.

GPs, Pharmacists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and many healthcare professionals, will have a role to play in the vaccination programme.

In addition, on Tuesday 23 February 2021, I signed the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2021. The purpose of these amending Regulations is to add registered optometrists and registered dentists to the list of professionals who may supply and administer Covid-19 vaccinations.