Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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166. To ask the Minister for Health the vaccine requirements for parenting activities such as parent and child groups or breastfeeding classes in community centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60743/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the COVID-19 situation in Ireland remains of concern and is delicately balanced. Ireland remains vulnerable to a further deterioration in the disease profile depending on several factors, including levels of social contact in the coming weeks and over the festive period, adherence to basic public health protective measures and levels of immunity across the population. The potential impact of the recently identified Omicron variant remains uncertain at present.

Organisers of indoor group activities should ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place, and where indoor groups have a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people indoors, pods of 6 should apply.

As our booster campaign progresses, we must all take steps to protect ourselves and those around us. This includes acting fast, isolating and getting tested if we have symptoms; wearing a face covering where appropriate; making sure that indoor spaces are well ventilated; maintaining social distancing whenever appropriate; and covering our coughs and sneezes and keeping our hands clean.