Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
477. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position generally regarding Irish embassies in non-EU countries assisting Irish citizens in their endeavour to receive a Covid-19 vaccine locally; the position in respect of the Irish embassy in Bangkok, Thailand in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43021/21]
View answerThe Government of Ireland does not provide healthcare to Irish citizens residing outside the State. The Irish Embassy network globally has no role in the procurement of vaccines or the registration of Irish citizens for vaccinations abroad anywhere in the world. The roll-out of vaccinations in the Kingdom of Thailand is entirely a matter for the Government of Thailand.
The Embassy of Ireland in Bangkok, along with other like-minded nations, has made multiple representations to the Government of Thailand regarding the equitable provision of Covid-19 vaccines to all citizens, including Irish citizens resident in Thailand, on the basis of age, vulnerability and need.
On 1 August 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand launched a dedicated online portal for foreign citizens resident in Thailand to register for vaccination (https://expatvac.consular.go.th). Individuals registering through this portal have been successfully included in vaccination roll-out. Thailand is now providing almost one million vaccine doses per day, and has secured supply for another 100 million doses during quarter four.
It should also be noted that following the successful rollout of the initial implementation phase of the EU Digital Covid Certificate in Ireland, the Government is creating a specific portal to enable Irish citizens vaccinated outside of the EU, with vaccines authorised for use in Ireland, to obtain a Covid certificate valid in Ireland and across the EU.
