Covid-19 Pandemic

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Questions (289)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical exemption to the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be accommodated in the case of a person (details supplied); his plans to address current deficiencies in legislation to accommodate a person in such circumstances; if there are future plans for the allowance of a hybrid vaccination in Ireland with specific reference to the Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44301/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The EU Digital COVID Certificate concerns the issuing and verification of certificates for medical events including vaccination, recovery, and testing related to COVID-19. The EU Digital COVID Certificate regulation, and subsequent associated national regulations, do not provide for the issuing of a certificate for individuals who have not had a medical event as outlined.

Individuals may request a Digital COVID Certificate as proof of a single dose of vaccination given in Ireland if they wish. Additionally, Digital COVID Certificates are currently being issued for persons who have completed a full course of a heterologous vaccination regimen in Ireland.

It is important to note that the EU Digital COVID Certificate is not a requirement for travel, but rather a record of a medical event which can make international freedom of movement easier.