Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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2185. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be rolled out by the 19 July 2021 target date; the way in which persons who have been vaccinated can obtain the certificate; the reason the certificate has not been made available since 1 July 2021 in line with other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36873/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2045 and 2185 together.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation, which became directly applicable to EU member states on 1 July 2021, is designed to facilitate safe free movement of citizens in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certificates issued under this Regulation hold digital proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months. It is valid in all EU Member States, including Ireland, EEA states and third countries recognised under an EU implementing act.

It should be noted that while the Regulation aims to facilitate free movement the EU Digital COVID Certificate is not a travel document and the possession of an EU Digital COVID Certificate will not be a precondition to exercise free movement rights. Travellers who do not have a Digital COVID Certificate can provide other verifiable forms of proof of vaccination, or a valid negative test under the current travel measures. Certificates based on vaccination and recovery are now being issued. Certificates based on negative tests for travel within the EU can be obtained from private testing services signed up to the Digital Covid Test Certificate Service.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Information notes on the draft EU Digital COVID Certificate regulations were submitted for Oireachtas scrutiny in March 2021.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Act 1947 (Sections 31AB and 31AD) (Covid-19) (Operation of certain indoor premises) Regulations 2021 came into operation on 26th July 2021.

It is intended thatthe EU Digital COVID Certificates for vaccination and recovery will be the primary evidence used when going into a pub, restaurant, café or food court to access indoor hospitality. Other proofs of immunity include the HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record and appropriate COVID-19 Certificates issued by other states. Such certificates must contain confirmation that the person has been vaccinated, the date or dates on which the person was vaccinated and the vaccine used,and also the state body which either delivered the vaccination programme or is authorised to issue the certificate. Where a certificate is not in Irish or English, a translated version must be provided.

People may also be asked for photo ID to prove that that EU Digital COVID Certificate, HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record or other proof of immunity relates to them. Acceptable forms of ID are a driving licence, passport, student ID, age card issued by An Garda Síochána, Irish residence permit, national identity card for international visitors, or any other official document (with photograph) issued by a state including Ireland. Children under 18 accompanying adults may also be asked for information to prove their age. Further information on the reopening of hospitality can be found on www.gov.ie.