Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (1335)

David Cullinane

Question:

1335. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with the Minister for Health, the HSE and or higher education institutes to ensure that students on clinical placements in hospitals who opt not to be vaccinated can complete their placements at a later date without failing or repeating the previous academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19919/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Clinical placements are organised at the level of each individual Higher Education Institution (HEI), as part of their programme offerings to be delivered in conjunction with relevant placement providers. Where appropriate, each HEI will develop their programme offerings to meet the accreditation standards of relevant regulatory and professional recognition bodies including where placements are a requirement.

Vaccination requirements for undertaking clinical training placements in hospital settings are a matter for the Health Service Executive and the relevant placement provider in line with relevant public health advice. The Minister has no function in relation to this matter.