Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has criticised the HSE for not keeping appropriate records of vaccination cards and for failing to appreciate the importance they play in the Covid Pass system after a HSE response saying that the cards “have no other purpose from the HSE point of view” except to remind a person what vaccine they received.

The HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record is included as a Proof of Immunity in the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021, the legislation that underpins the Covid Pass system.

Teachta Crowe said:

“In response to a Parliamentary Question on how many HSE Vaccination Record cards, the little blue card provided when you receive your vaccine, were unaccounted for, the HSE replied to say that there were no missing cards. Not one card missing across the entire state. I find that incredibly hard to believe. It is fair more likely that the HSE is simply not keeping track of the cards.

“Worryingly, it seems that the HSE have not read the legislation underpinning the Covid Pass system since they believe that ‘The cards are intended only to be a reminder to the patient as to which vaccine they have received, they have no other purpose from the HSE point of view.’ This may explain the lack of a proper record for missing cards since the HSE do not understand the importance of the cards and the need to keep proper records to maintain the integrity of the Covid Pass system.

“The vaccination cards are as equally valid a proof of immunity as the Digital Covid Cert according to the legislation that underpins the entire Covid Pass system, the Health (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2021

“If we have no idea how many cards have been misplaced, lost, or are otherwise unaccounted for, how can we have faith in the Covid Pass system? This is typical of the Government’s slap dash approach to the restrictions and their enforcement since day one.”