Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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451. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the policy his Department will adopt for employees who opt out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31945/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Firstly, I encourage as many people as possible to take up their COVID-19 vaccinations when offered.

It will not necessarily be known to employers if an employee has availed, or opted out, of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, however there may be situations where employers need to know if an employee has been vaccinated, having regard to the specific work context. Employers will need to deal with these matters on a case-by-case basis. Departments should review their risk assessments to decide whether the employee can carry out the work task without vaccination and what other protective measures may be needed.

The current Public Health advice is that all existing infection prevention and control measures, (such as physical distancing, hand hygiene, face coverings, adequate ventilation), and working from home unless an employee’s physical presence in the workplace is necessary, must also remain in place for individuals even following their vaccination.