Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2021
164. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that that non-Irish citizens living in the State that were vaccinated in the North are excluded from applying for an EU Digital Covid Certificate when they do not hold an Irish passport; his plans to change this anomaly;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59141/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Digital COVID Certificate is a document which is issued to help facilitate the safe and free international movement of people across the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ireland is currently accepting applications for vaccination certificates from Irish citizens vaccination in third countries in line with Article 8 of the EU Regulation. Currently, Irish passport holders, who have reliable proof a vaccination regime completed in Northern Ireland with a vaccine product authorised for use in Ireland, can apply for an EU Digital COVID Certificate online at covidcertificateportal.gov.ie.
On the 28 October 2021 the UK was awarded and equivalence decision meaning that COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in accordance with the system entitled “UK COVID Certificates” shall, for the purpose of facilitating the right of free movement within the Union, be considered as equivalent to those issued in accordance with EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation.
