Written answers

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Photo of Thomas GouldThomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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1882. To ask the Minister for Health the number of front-line healthcare workers in an organisation (details supplied) in Cork who have been vaccinated. [15778/21]

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 Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1883. To ask the Minister for Health the details of his engagement with EU member states and the UK in respect of his contribution on a proposed common Covid-19 travel certificate and or a digital green certificate in respect of travel. [15599/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On 17 March, the EU Commission published its proposal for Regulation for a Digital Green Certificate. This proposed regulation lays down a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable certificates to facilitate free movement. Ireland is  carefully considering the proposal and its many policy, infrastructural and operational implications across a number of sectors and authorities.  This proposal is part of the package of EU measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It builds, in particular, on previous technical work carried out in the Health Security Committee and the eHealth Network.

The EU Health Security Committee is a vital part of the collaborative effort to develop coordinated response to cross-border health threats from infectious diseases. My Department has engaged with this Committee throughout the pandemic. I recognise the importance of the UKs participation on this Committee during this crisis and welcome their collaboration in addressing this serious cross-border threat to health.

My Department has participated in weekly eHealth Network Co-ordinated Actions meetings since the start of the pandemic and the issue of digital certification for COVID-19 vaccinations has been discussed at this network.

I am committed to continuing this collaboration towards developing similar travel approaches where it is appropriate to do so and in line with national public health advice.

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