Skip to main content
Normal View

Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Questions (2298, 2626)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

2298. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the vaccine bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37282/21]

View answer

Pa Daly

Question:

2626. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the vaccine bonus for those who are 28 days post the first dose of a vaccine (details supplied) in view of concerns raised regarding the delta variant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38432/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2298 and 2626 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, on 29 June, Government announced the next phase of reopening the economy and society in line with Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead.

While significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme, the rapidly increasing prevalence of the more transmissible Delta variant, and the significant risk this poses, in particular to those who are not yet fully vaccinated, meant that a number of higher risk indoor activities did not recommence as planned on 5 July, pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity status.

Disease incidence has increased rapidly in recent weeks, especially among those who are not yet fully protected through vaccination and the outlook for the coming weeks is very uncertain.

I can confirm to the Deputies, that following NPHET advice on 28 June, the vaccine bonus now only applies to an individual once two weeks have passed since they have received the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Details of this advice can be found online here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/ba4aa0-letters-from-the-cmo-to-the-minister-for-health/#2021

Significant and sustained 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.

Top
Share