Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
703. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the membership of the Covid-19 immunisation strategy group; the remit of the group; the number of times the group has met to date; the reports published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39945/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 Immunisation Strategy Group, chaired by the Department of Health, and informed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), was convened in August to advise on and assist in the development of national policy relating to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Group’s membership is drawn from relevant Government Departments, relevant agencies, and organisations.
- Department of Health
- Health Service Executive
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSE)
- National Immunisation Office (HSE)
- HBS Procurement (HSE)
- National Immunisation Advisory Committee
- State Claims Agency
- National Virus Reference Laboratory
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Health Products Regulatory Authority
The establishment of the High-Level Taskforce has necessitated an early review of governance arrangements regarding the COVID-19 immunisation programme, so as to ensure role clarity as between the different organisations and to avoid any overlap or duplication. Revised arrangements are being drawn up and in this context it is expected that the current Immunisation Strategy Group arrangement will cease to operate.
The group has met on four occasions since August and has not published any reports to date.
