The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has requested the suspension of the COVID-19 vaccine programme at the Beacon Hospital
It follows the revelations that "leftover vaccines" were given to 20 teachers from a private school.
Staff and teachers at St Gerard's Catholic School in Bray received the inoculations this week.
It has since been reported that the CEO of the Dublin hospital, Michael Cullen, personally phoned his children's private school to offer COVID-19 vaccines to staff.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly released a statement today announcing that he has now asked the HSE to suspend vaccine operations at the Beacon Hospital, with the exception of those people who have already been scheduled to get their vaccine at the centre.
He said: "Ireland’s vaccination programme is the most important public health programme in living memory.
"It is essential that the programme is run in accordance with the agreed prioritisation in order to maximise the benefit of the vaccination programme and the speed with which Ireland can emerge from COVID-19 measures.
"The provision of vaccines by the Beacon Hospital to a school was entirely inappropriate and completely unacceptable.
"I have considered this matter carefully and have worked with the HSE to assess the operational implications of suspending vaccine operations at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin.
I have now asked the HSE to suspend vaccine operations at the Beacon Hospital with the exception of those people who have already been scheduled to get their vaccine at the centre.
"Alternative arrangements are being put in place by the HSE. In addition, I have asked the HSE to appoint a senior official to immediately examine what happened and make recommendations regarding any actions or changes required."
