David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is unfortunate that we simply will not have enough for those who need it. Of course, those who are at risk should be protected. I wish to make a final point about vaccines and it relates to the possibility of a vaccine for Covid-19. My party supports the Right to Cure campaign, an EU-wide campaign that calls for all treatments, therapies and vaccines related to Covid-19 to be universally and freely available. Can the Minister inform the House what orders have been made for any of the trial Covid vaccines? How will they be rolled out and will we have sufficient stock, given that there will be worldwide demand, to ensure we can vaccinate people as much as possible against Covid-19? There is no vaccine at present. The Taoiseach has talked up the possibility of it being available in early 2021, and the Tánaiste spoke about it being a possibility before the end of this year. If and when one becomes available, what preparations has the State put in place to ensure there is free and universal access?

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