David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have to put my next question to Professor MacCraith because the time is very limited. How many proposed mass vaccination centres are we potentially looking at? In the programme, Professor MacCraith said quite rightly that all the vaccinators will be fully qualified healthcare professionals, as it should be. How many staff are we looking at? Notwithstanding how quickly we will get the vaccines doses when they come, how quickly these are administered will come down to the capacity and resources we put in. How many of these pop-up mass vaccination centres are we looking at? What is the estimated number of staff required? Reference was also made to training. How long will it take to train that staff?

My next question is for Professor Butler. Since this is a matter of public commentary, I will ask it in that sense. Some concerns have been raised around indemnity for manufacturers. Will Professor Butler respond to that question? Is this now the norm or standard for new vaccines coming on stream? It has been the source of some conversation and debate inside and outside the Dáil. It would be useful if Professor Butler could answer that question.

My question to Professor MacCraith is how many mass vaccination centres there will be and the levels of staff required.