Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Okay. The next item is No. 2437 from Mr. Niall Gleeson, chief executive officer, Uisce Éireann, dated 1 March 2024, provides clarification around questions on vaccination programmes which arose at the meeting of 26 October 2023. At the meeting of 26 October, when asked about its vaccination programme, Uisce Éireann stated that it had one. At the meeting of 25 January the committee agreed to seek further clarification in relation to this from Uisce Éireann and read the response into the record. In this item of correspondence, Uisce Éireann has clarified that “At that time, we had agreement for a vaccination programme and we were offering all staff seasonal vaccines through an existing provider.”

The correspondence goes on to state that:

We have an interim process in place where staff are provided with guidance on safe practices while working near biological agents. Following the guidance the staff can decide to accept or decline the relevant vaccinations which will be provided by a specialist supplier. In tandem with this we are currently in the process of procuring a comprehensive occupational health provider in order to roll out an enduring programme to deliver the registration, monitoring and management of booster immunisations – which includes more specialised and role-specific vaccinations. Vaccinations remain voluntary for all staff.

It is proposed to note and publish this item. Is that agreed? Agreed.

No. 2456B is from Inland Fisheries Ireland, dated 14 March, with regard to the rescheduling of an engagement with that body. It is proposed to note and publish that item of correspondence. Is that agreed? Agreed. Members may wish to raise that issue in private session as well. Is that agreed? Agreed.

No. 2488B is from Ms Brigid Laffin, the new chancellor of University of Limerick, UL, dated 12 March, with regard to the deferral of the meeting scheduled for 11 April 2024. Attached is the letter from the Higher Education Authority, HEA, address to UL. Is it agreed to note this item of correspondence, and, pending the consent of the HEA, publish its letter as well? If the HEA does not consent to the publication of its correspondence, it is proposed that we only publish the letter from UL. Is that agreed? Do any members wish to comment on No. 2488B?