Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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1007. To ask the Minister for Health when persons diagnosed with cystic fibrosis will receive their vaccination for Covid-19 particularly those aged 18 to 21 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21771/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.

On the 23rd of February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy. In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death. The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed. 

On the 30th of March, the Government approved a further update to the COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy. Based on clinical, scientific and ethical frameworks produced by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and my Department, following the vaccination of those most at risk, future groups will be vaccinated by age, in cohorts of 10 years (i.e., 64-55; 54-45, etc.).

The move to an age-based model better supports the programme objectives by:

- protecting those at highest risk of severe disease first, which benefits everyone most;

- facilitating planning and execution of the programme across the entire country;

- improving transparency and fairness. 

Further details are available here:

People aged 16-69 with severe cystic fibrosis will be vaccinated in Group 4. Vaccination of this Group began in March.

People aged 65-69 with stable cystic fibrosis will be vaccinated in Group 5. Vaccine registration for this Group began on the 15th of April.

People aged 16-64 with stable cystic fibrosis will be vaccinated in Group 7.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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1008. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of persons that can attend a wedding once a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been rolled-out nationally. [21786/21]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1021. To ask the Minister for Health if there are plans to extend the number of wedding guests permitted to gather at ceremonies and receptions in the near future given the increase in numbers permitted to attend funerals; if he will take into account the number of times couples have had to cancel or postpone losing substantial deposits in the process and their need for clear information in order that they can make plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21866/21]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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1067. To ask the Minister for Health when clarification will be provided on changes in restrictions to the number of persons allowed to attend weddings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22111/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1008, 1021 and 1067 together.

I recognise the significant impact that the restrictions on weddings have had on people given the importance and significance of such a special occasion. However, Level 5 restrictive measures currently remain in place. Any measures introduced at any level of the Plan are aimed at limiting the spread and damage of COVID-19 and are necessary to protect our key priorities of supporting and maintaining health and social care services, keeping education and childcare services open and protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Government announced a phased easing of restrictions over April in recognition of the significant impact that the extended period of Level 5 restrictions is having on people. The focus of this easing of measures is on enabling more outdoor activities in order to improve the health and wellbeing of society.

The situation will be subject to ongoing review taking account of the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the reopening of priority services, and available evidence in relation to vaccine deployment, uptake and effectiveness. The NPHET and the Government will consider the position again later this week and it is anticipated that a roadmap for the further easing of measures over the coming months will be agreed, including in relation to weddings.

Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus due to the huge effort of our citizens. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading.

The Government's guidelines for weddings at all levels of the Framework are available at: .

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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1009. To ask the Minister for Health if he will establish a vaccination centre in east County Cork. [21819/21]

Stephen 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.