Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1354. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to include radiographers and radiation therapists on the list of professions in SI 698 of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14033/21]
View answer1666. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if his Department has considered allowing dental hygienists to participate in the national roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations as vaccinators. [15027/21]
View answer1927. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on permitting dental hygienists to participate in the national roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations as vaccinators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15918/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1354, 1666 and 1927 together.
The HSE are building and deploying its workforce in order to be prepared for the requirements associated with rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine programme.
GPs, Pharmacists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and many healthcare professionals, will have a role to play in the vaccination programme.
In addition, on Tuesday 23 February 2021, I signed the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2021. The purpose of these amending Regulations is to add registered optometrists and registered dentists to the list of professionals who may supply and administer Covid-19 vaccinations.
The vaccine roll out is being conducted on a 7-day week basis and to date, more than 10,900 staff have received training to operate as vaccinators. To support the expanded immunisation programme the HSE launched a vaccinator recruitment campaign at the end of February.
It is not intended that radiographers, radiation therapists or dental hygienists will be called upon to participate as vaccinators in the programme at this time.
