Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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915. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the potential introduction of vaccine passports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13164/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It is not yet understood whether the 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.

Discussions are ongoing, including at EU level, regarding vaccine certificates, their potential impact on travel policy and the importance of non-discrimination. The WHO continues to caution governments against introducing immunity passports at this time.

Under the current regime vaccinated persons are required to observe the mandatory testing and quarantine regimes that is in place when travelling to Ireland from overseas.

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