Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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2020. To ask the Minister for Health if permission will be given for novelty acts at weddings that can be carried out behind a perspex screen in a Covid-19 safe manner if live music continues not to be allowed at weddings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36228/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.

While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme, the rapidly increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant, and the significant risk this poses, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated, meant that a number of higher risk indoor activities did not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status. However, as an exception, weddings already planned have been allowed to proceed with the planned increase in the number of guests to 50 at the wedding reception with protective measures from 5 July. 

Unfortunately, the outlook for the coming weeks is very uncertain and there is not yet an indication of when novelty acts will be permitted at weddings. This is outlined further in the Fáilte Ireland guidelines. These guidelines can be found online: covid19.failteireland.ie/operational-guidelines/ The epidemiological situation will be monitored on an ongoing basis and the level of restrictions will be kept under review by Government.

Significant and sustained progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland welcomes the European Medicines Agency age extension recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccines Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) and Spikevax (Moderna) to include use in children 12+. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is reviewing the matter and will make a recommendation as appropriate. Currently, Ireland's COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is administering vaccines to those aged 16+.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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2022. To ask the Minister for Health when the removal of the age cap on a vaccine (details supplied) will come into effect; when he expects pharmacies to commence administering this vaccine to under 40s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36244/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE is currently offering everyone who registers online an mRNA vaccine - either the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine - when it is available. People waiting for their first vaccination appointment also have a choice to opt-in or out of getting the AstraZeneca vaccine if it is available earlier than an mRNA vaccine. If opting for this vaccine, a person may be vaccinated sooner, depending on the availability of supply.

Alternatively, an individual can now get a COVID-19 vaccine at a local pharmacy if not already vaccinated and are aged:

- 50 or over

- 18 to 34

Availability of pharmacy vaccines will depend on supply. Many pharmacies are offering people in these age groups the Janssen vaccine.

The latest group who can register online to get a COVID-19 vaccine are people aged 16 to 17.

If over 18, people can still register if they haven't already.