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Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021

Thursday, 15 July 2021

Questions (332)

Alan Farrell

Question:

332. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health the policy his Department will adopt for employees who opt out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31933/21]

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Written answers

Firstly, as Minster for Health, I would strongly encourage as many people as possible to register on the HSE portal for a vaccination when the facility is available to them, and to avail of their COVID-19 vaccinations when offered.

It will not automatically be known to employers if an employee has availed of or elected against participation in the COVID-19 vaccination programme, however, situations may arise where some employers need to know if an employee has been vaccinated, having regard to a distinct work context. The onus in these instances will be with each individual employer, dependent on their individual needs and requirements, and each employer will deal with these matters on a case-by-case basis accordingly.

The Department of Health will keep its own risk assessment under review on an ongoing basis to decide whether any individual employees of the Department must be vaccinated to take out their normal work tasks and if so, what other protective measures may be needed in any individual case.

The current public health advice is that all existing infection prevention and control measures, (such as physical distancing, hand hygiene, face coverings, adequate ventilation), and working from home unless an employee’s physical presence in the workplace is necessary, must also remain in place for individuals even following their vaccination. The Department's employees continue to work from home unless their attendance on-site is necessary. In line with other civil service employers, this will be kept under review depending on the prevailing public health advice.

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