Neale Richmond
Ceist:29. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the status of the vaccine roll-out for Defence Forces members serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23957/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 13 May 2021
Ceisteanna (29)
Freagraí scríofa
The COVID-19 vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020 (updated 30 April 2021). It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination.
The Defence Forces has established vaccine prioritisation which is in line with this national allocation strategy. Initial Vaccination priority is for Defence Force personnel who are providing front line support to the HSE and National Ambulance Service in the national effort to combat COVID 19.
Personnel selected for deployment to overseas missions fall into a prioritised grouping and they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to deployment, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE.
There may be a small number of personnel who, for a variety of reasons, will not be vaccinated against Covid 19 prior to their deployment; planning is ongoing in relation to facilitating the vaccination of these personnel at the earliest possible opportunity.
As Minister for Defence, I am keenly aware of the impact the COVID 19 pandemic is having on members of the Defence Forces deployed overseas and their families. I recognise and appreciate the additional personal sacrifices being made by troops deployed overseas at this time.
Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 8.