DUP MLA claims vaccine passports ‘aren’t the answer’

WHILE the majority of local political parties have come out strongly in favour of the NI Executive’s plan to introduce vaccine passports in the North later this month, one dissenting voice has been the DUP’s West Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan.

When entering local nightclubs, pubs and restaurants from November 29, people will be required to either show proof of vaccination status, a negative Lateral Flow Test in the previous 48 hours or proof of recovery from a positive PCR test in the previous 30-180 days.

But speaking to the Tyrone Herald, Mr Buchanan said he didn’t believe that vaccine passports were the answer.

The Drumquin man said, “It is discriminatory against people who have chosen not to take the vaccine and it infringes on their democratic rights.”

However, many other local political figures have a very different view.

Sinn Fein’s West Tyrone MLA, Declan McAleer believes that vaccine passports, along with following other measures already in place such as social distancing, would help to “reduce the spread of the virus and prevent more serious action having to be taken in the future”.

While Omagh Alliance councillor, Stephen Donnelly, said the decision made by the Executive is reflective of the “serious challenges”, being faced by the health service.

He explained that those who are vaccinated are less likely to become seriously ill and put pressure on the health service. He said his party supports the introduction of vaccine passports for “optional events”, but not for accessing “public services”.

SUPPORT

Last Wednesday, Stormont Ministers voted by a majority to support the move to introduce vaccine passports.

DUP ministers voted against the proposal, but SDLP, Sinn Fein, Alliance and UUP ministers voted in favour.

Speaking after the vote, Health Minister Robin Swann said ministers “have to act”, as Covid numbers are “too high” and our health and social care system is under “severe stress”.

Regulations will take effect from November 29 but will not be legally enforced until December 13, as there will be a 14-day grace period before fixed penalty notices can be issued.

The measure will apply for access to nightclubs, hospitality venues which serve food and drink, cinemas, theatres, concert halls and conference centres, indoor events with 500 or more attendees with some or all of the audience not normally seated, outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees with some of the audience not normally seated and events where more than 10,000 people will be present regardless of whether they are seated.

Mr Swann said, “We all want this pandemic to be over but simply wishing it away is never going to be enough. A united effort across society is what is needed to get us through this winter.”

BY REBECCA McGIRR