Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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A number of questions I identified have already been asked so I will not ask the witnesses to answer them again. It is interesting to look back at some of the contributions and the words used. Ms Murphy used the phrase "catapulted into" and Ms Monahan spoke about the context and what Covid-19 was like. Looking back on the time when this happened, obviously, there are things we could not have changed given the speed at which it came on us. It is, however, exceptionally important we learn those lessons now so any future change in the Covid-19 rate is protected, particularly on masks, which we are all sitting here wearing today. It was not just Ireland but the entire world that got it wrong about masks. We must make sure we do not make that same type of mistake in other areas.

I want to thank all the workers. I am on the record as saying we need to make sure it is more than just thanks. I have no doubt that when Ms Ní Sheaghdha and her colleagues meet the Minister today they will be forceful in terms of the obligation the State has to the workers who have protected us.

I want to turn to the vaccination on influenza. I have said for some time that I am quite concerned we are going to have influenza and Covid-19 at the same time and it will lead to economic difficulties. There will be isolation where it is not needed. Equally, there is an increased risk for patients and healthcare workers. Can the witnesses talk about the availability of the influenza vaccination at this moment for healthcare workers?