Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In regard to the flu vaccine, I have in my hand the form that must be filled in at the GP's office. The requirement to do so means that people are spending longer in there. What is happening is that GPs are putting the forms through in bulk. The figures quoted in the press today reflect the fact that they do not complete the forms and put them through straight away because they do not have time to do so. GPs are overworked, as we know, at this time.

The other issue the Taoiseach needs to be conscious of is the question of why we have a situation where anybody can order a flu vaccine in some pharmacies. I have got the flu vaccine every year and am a huge advocate of it. I have not got it this year because I am not a priority. I presume the majority of Deputies are in the same position. We are not priorities if we are fit and healthy. If a person has an underlying issue, that is a different thing. Why is it the case that people can get it from some pharmacies just by booking it? In fairness, some pharmacies are being very deliberate in focusing on target groups, but others are not. That is an issue.

I thank the Taoiseach for providing extra information in regard to the plan for the roll-out of the Covid vaccine. I ask that he update it because it is a working programme that will need to be updated. There are huge numbers of people across the logistics of this who need to be kept up to speed on a weekly basis. Will the Taoiseach undertake, on a weekly basis and through some process of communication, to update the public as to how this will be dealt with? It is a process that is going to change in intensity over the coming weeks and months.

See this speech in context