Mr. Tony O'Brien:

First, I congratulate the Chairman on having the flu jab and setting an example. It is also worth acknowledging that the Houses of the Oireachtas as a place of employment facilitate employees, as do organisations such as RTÉ and The Irish Times. As we approach the flu season, it is important that those in the at risk groups - health care workers and those among the elderly population - avail of the flu vaccine. There has been some controversy this week about whether it is exactly the right match. The truth is that it is never exactly the right match, but the flu vaccine confers protection. It can reduce the number of hospital admissions among the elderly, in particular, by between 50% and 60% and also reduce the number of deaths among those who contract the flu by up to 80%. Therefore, there is a real and fundamental benefit both for the individual and our society. I am very happy that this place of employment facilitates everyone who works in it through ease of access to the flu vaccine and hope other employers will also do so. As the largest employer in the State, we do so. I applaud the Chairman for the example he has set in sharing his experience with everyone present.