Dara Calleary
Question:806. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the vaccination of overseas Defence Forces personnel. [15303/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (806, 809)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:809. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange vaccinations for the 117th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon given that it is experiencing difficulty and isolation due to measures to stop the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15852/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 806 and 809 together.
The COVID-19 vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020. It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination.
The Defence Forces has established vaccine prioritisation which is in line with this national allocation strategy. Initial Vaccination priority is for Defence Force personnel who are providing front line support to the HSE and National Ambulance Service in the national effort to combat COVID-19.
Personnel selected for deployment to overseas missions over the coming months will fall into a prioritised grouping, and the intention is that they will be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to deployment, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE.
As you will appreciate, there are signifcant logisitical challenges in transporting and administering the Covid 19 vaccines to personnel currently deployed overseas on Peacekeeping duties. Those personnel will be vaccinated on their return in accordance with the Defence Force prioritisation within the national allocation strategy.
As Minister for Defence, I am keenly aware of the impact the COVID 19 pandemic is having on members of the Defence Forces deployed overseas and their families. I recognise and appreciate the additional personal sacrifices being made by troops deployed overseas at this time.