Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
345. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the involvement of the Reserve Defence Force in the Covid-19 vaccination programme; the number of personnel involved; the locations they provided support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5531/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. A wide range of supports have since been provided to the HSE as well as to other Departments and Agencies. In this regard, a total of 1,457 days were served by members of the Reserve involved in authorised Covid related duties in 2020.
The Defence Forces are also represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid-19 Vaccination and continue to provide transportation and logistical supports to the HSE in the rollout of the Covid 19 vaccination programme. A number of Defence Forces Medical Officers have completed the HSE vaccination training for the MODERNA & PFIZER vaccines and have been involved in dispensing vaccinations, including one Army Reserve Medical Officer who recently vaccinated residents at a HSE Residential Care Facility in Co. Kildare.
