Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
2026. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on access to indoor facilities for those who have not been able to avail of a vaccine to date and or those who cannot receive a vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36248/21]
View answer2235. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his response to issues raised in relation to vaccine passports for indoor dining (details supplied). [37082/21]
View answer2385. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health his views on antigen testing usage for return of indoor hospitality to ensure that non-vaccinated persons can be included in proposed return of indoor dining and drinking for this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37658/21]
View answer2689. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if there is a plan in place to consider using a vaccine passport domestically or the EU Digital COVID Certificate in a national context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38788/21]
View answer2697. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he has made provision for the use of hospitality by persons that are unable or choose not to avail of a Covid-19 vaccine; if he is considering the use of antigen testing in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38805/21]
View answer2824. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the situation with respect to the resumption of indoor dining for those who have received only one dose of a two shot Covid-19 vaccination, having been advised by their medical practitioner against receiving a second dose for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39295/21]
View answer3099. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the consideration that will be made in the domestic Covid-19 pass system for persons who are medically advised against receiving a Covid-19 vaccination. [40297/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2026, 2235, 2385, 2689, 2697, 2824 and 3099 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead.
While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme and the position had been broadly stable over the earlier part of June, the prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant is rapidly increasing in Ireland and this poses a significant risk, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated.
As of 26 July, indoor dining has reopened for fully vaccinated individuals and those who are considered immune as a result of recovering from a covid-19 infection in the previous six months. The HSE guidance on when a person is fully vaccinated is available online www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/when-you-have-been-vaccinated/
Access to businesses is being restricted to those who are fully vaccinated or recovered as the risk is still high, however the system will be kept under review and Government will consider further phases of the reopening of hospitality as the epidemiological situation allows. Details of measures in place can be found online: www.gov.ie/en/publication/41f70-reopening-hospitality/
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. To protect the gains of recent months we must continue to practice basic preventative behaviours and to follow public health guidelines.
