Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1404. To ask the Minister for Health the way the effectiveness of children wearing masks in school will be assessed as part of the review of the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63132/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government, at its meeting on 30 November, agreed that face masks/coverings be recommended for those aged 9 and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate. Face masks/coverings are also recommended for children in third class and above in primary school and guidance has issued to schools from the Department of Education on this.

As the Deputy is aware, this is a temporary, interim measure and will be reviewed in mid-February 2022.

This review will entail an examination of the profile of the disease at the time, in particular the rate of disease in the 5-11 years age group, the uptake of vaccination in this cohort, international guidance and practice, the evidence and experience in relation to the use of face coverings in children in Ireland, and consideration of the range of potential benefits and harms from any recommendations.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1405. To ask the Minister for Health the date from which all incoming passengers will be requested to present their PCR or antigen test when entering Ireland; the way he will ensure that they are requested for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63133/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Between 5 December 2021 and 5 January 2022, all travellers coming to Ireland were required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result regardless of vaccination or recovery status.

Since 6 January 2022, international passengers to Ireland with an accepted proof of vaccination, or an accepted proof of recovery from COVID-19 do not have to show an additional pre-departure Covid test result. Passengers without proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 are still required evidence of a negative / not-detected PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in Ireland.  

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1406. To ask the Minister for Health if persons who have recovered from Covid-19 will have to wait six months for the booster vaccine given the reported highly contagious nature of the new omicron variant and its ability to reinfect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63135/21]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1436. To ask the Minister for Health if he will request the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to examine the waiting period between contracting Covid-19 and receiving a booster vaccine dose given that the current six month wait is much shorter in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63256/21]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1446. To ask the Minister for Health if, in view of the new omicron variant of Covid-19, those who have recovered from infection with the delta variant will now be vulnerable to reinfection and as such be eligible for immediate vaccination, including booster, without having to wait six months as is currently the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63285/21]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1459. To ask the Minister for Health the length of time a person has to wait for their Covid-19 booster vaccine after having a positive PCR test; the current scientific thinking in relation to the optimum delay period in respect of the omicron variant; the consideration that is being given to shortening this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63340/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1406, 1436, 1446 and 1459 together.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.

On 21 December, the NIAC recommended that those who are fully vaccinated and have had breakthrough laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection should delay their booster vaccination for at least three months in accordance with the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland.

The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines and will make further recommendations if required.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1407. To ask the Minister for Health if persons vaccinated with a one-shot vaccine (details supplied) will be prioritised urgently for boosters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63136/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.

On the 13th December, the NIAC recommended that the interval between the primary vaccine series and booster dose should be reduced to three months. In making its latest recommendations, NIAC has reiterated the need for booster vaccines to be offered to those in previously recommended groups before progression to the younger age cohorts.

The NIAC has recommended that a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (irrespective of whether the primary vaccination course was of an mRNA or adenoviral vector) be offered to those aged 16 years and older with the rollout now underway. The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines and will make further recommendations if required.