Tánaiste confirms to Kelly that vaccinations will start in Ireland this year
The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has confirmed to Labour Leader and Health Spokesperson Alan Kelly during Promised Legislation in the Dáil that vaccinations will start in the Republic of Ireland this year.
Deputy Kelly said:
“I welcome the Tánaiste’s confirmation to me that the EMA will approve the Pfizer/BioNTec vaccine following a meeting on Monday and that vaccination for EU Citizens including people in Ireland will commence before the New Year on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December following EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen’s announcement earlier today.
“This is fantastic news and will give the people of Ireland much needed hope now that we are beginning vaccination and the end of this crisis is in sight. The vaccination programme is key to unlocking the end of the pandemic and it is incumbent upon public representatives to take the lead in encouraging the uptake of the vaccines and not to spread misinformation.
“The Tánaiste also confirmed to me that people will be given documentation to prove that they have had the vaccination. The Government need to clarify exactly what format these vaccine certificates or vaccine passports will take. We need to know who will take the lead on these certificates, whether it will be the state or private organisations. There are moral, legal and ethical issues in relation to these certificate and the Government need to give clarity and certainty immediately.