Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2021
221. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners who have been vaccinated to date against Covid-19; the number vaccinated who are over 60 years of age; the number vaccinated who are medically vulnerable; the timescale for those who have not been vaccinated to receive a vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28483/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Covid-19 vaccination programme is, in the first instance, a matter for the Health Service Executive. The Covid-19 vaccination for prisoners is being administered by the National Ambulance Service, supported by Irish Prison Service medical teams
I can advise the Deputy that 82 prisoners have been vaccinated to date, of these 67 were over 60 years of age. Furthermore 23 of the total vaccinated prisoners were considered medically vulnerable.
The Irish Prison Service has been engaging with the HSE/Department of Health with regard to the logistical arrangements for the administration of the vaccine to the remaining prisoner cohort and these discussions are at an advanced stage and are expected to conclude shortly.
