Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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322. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if birth parents of children in care have a say in the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine to their children in foster care. [49040/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Tusla in partnership with the HSE has developed a guidance document for social workers in relation to the administration of the Covid Vaccine for Children in Care, entitled Covid-19 Vaccine for Children in Care.

Consents required for children in care are dependent on the legal status of the care placement. In the event that a parent of a child in care has any queries with regard to vaccinations, they can contact their local social work team.

The guidance document is based on the principle that good decision making involving consulting with all relevant parties to achieve the collective agreement of all relevant parties (child, parents, guardians, carers and relevant professionals).

Children’s rights, views, wishes, best interests and capacity to assent are essential elements of any decision making process and the views of the child or young person should be respected.

Throughout the document the messaging in relation to consulting with parents and legal guardians is highlighted regardless of care status. Providing parents and legal guardians with information in relation to the vaccine is also strongly messaged throughout the document.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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323. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that parents in some of Tusla’s service areas are being told that face-to-face access to their children in State care is denied until they have received the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49041/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.