Plans to mandate vaccine passes in hairdressers described as ‘ludicrous’

Fine Gael's Seanad leader and former Cabinet minister Regina Doherty has hit back against plans under consideration to mandate vaccine passes in hairdressers, describing them as "ludicrous".

The Government is considering extending the use of vaccine passes to include hairdressers and gyms, as health officials warn the health service is at greater risk now compared with any other time during the pandemic.

Modelling presented to the Cabinet Covid subcommittee on Monday night suggested that, based on current levels of socialisation, the peak in cases could range between 5,000 and 12,000 a day, with large case numbers lasting into the new year. The peak could happen in late November or early December, the modelling suggested, with a later peak – closer to Christmas – in hospitalisations and intensive care referrals.

Measures being considered to curb the spread of the virus include extending the use of the vaccine pass, advice to work from home where possible and reintroducing and earlier closing time for bars and restaurants.

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However, Ms Doherty on Tuesday came out strongly against the proposal, which was mooted to go to Cabinet today.

"When we introduced vaccine certs it was to be a temporary measure to get hospitality open," she said. "We warned that other countries – including Israel – had extended their use but we were told, no, that wouldn't happen here.

“We should be introducing a booster campaign immediately and issuing free antigen tests to all households and concentrating on why so many don’t want to get vaccinated and find ways to encourage them – not taking further liberty away,” she added.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said before Monday night's meeting that he expected advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee which would enable the use of Covid-19 booster vaccines to be extended "significantly".

The expectation is that the programme will be expanded to 600,000 people in their 50s as well as younger people with underlying health conditions. Booster jabs started for people aged 60-79 years earlier this month.

It is understood there is no dedicated memo on antigen testing at Cabinet today, with the issue briefly dealt with in the memo brought by the Taoiseach, which briefly outlines that a protocol will be worked out between Mr Donnelly and Minister for Education Norma Foley for their use on close contacts in schools. Similarly, proposals for subsidising the tests are briefly addressed.