Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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1797. To ask the Minister for Health the reason that NPHET is considering the introduction of mandatory vaccination given that the Taoiseach has informed Dáil Éireann that mandatory vaccination will not be introduced in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1854/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, several countries have announced that they are introducing or are considering the introduction of mandatory vaccination policies, either at a population level or more commonly in certain workplace settings (e.g. healthcare) as part of their national response to COVID-19. There are however no plans currently to introduce such a policy in Ireland.

Mandatory vaccination policies represent a considerable interference with individual liberties and autonomy which requires that ethical and legal considerations should be explicitly evaluated and analysed. The paper being prepared by my Department seeks to explore the complex issues raised by mandatory vaccination as part of the wider, comprehensive, evidence-based strategy for managing the pandemic.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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1819. To ask the Minister for Health if he will immediately release the data for the numbers hospitalised and in ICU to date in 2022 based on their vaccination status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1937/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.