Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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2103. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to permit indoor social settings (details supplied) to reopen and or resume activities for the cohorts of persons fully vaccinated in view of the mental health benefits that they provide. [19854/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Following advice from NPHET, the Government announced that, as of 30 March, fully vaccinated people may meet with other fully vaccinated people from one other household indoors without wearing a mask or staying 2 metres apart. This change was made on the basis of the strong evidence showing the protection that is provided by vaccination and also in recognition that individual benefits derived from vaccination are important incentives to maintain momentum in the ongoing vaccination programme.

In providing advice to Government on this matter, the NPHET advised that a cautious and step-wise approach should be taken to the application of differentiated advice or measures to those that are fully vaccinated and advised that fully vaccinated people should continue to follow all other public health restrictions along with the rest of the population at this time.

In its consideration of these matters, the NPHET noted that at that time only a small number of countries have issued differentiated advice for those who are fully vaccinated. It also noted that the numbers fully vaccinated in Ireland were still relatively low and that there still is not full evidence in relation to the impact of vaccines on transmission, the period of vaccine induced immunity and the risk of reinfection, as well as the impact of variants on vaccine effectiveness. As with all issues in relation to COVID-19, this issue will be kept under review by the NPHET.

More generally, the NPHET and the Government will consider the epidemiological position again at the end of this month and it is anticipated that a roadmap for the further easing of measures over the coming months will be agreed.