Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I attended the European conference on vaccinations last year. I am a 100% advocate, in every way shape and form. However, the words "task force" fill me with concern. This is nothing to do with politics. Trust me when I say that we all have to get this right. I accept what the Taoiseach is saying about EU procurement. I accept what he is saying regarding the number of vaccines. We probably will have up to ten options, from what I am hearing. That is all very positive.

However, there are a number of issues to consider. The first issue is to do with the logistics. Second, who gets the vaccine and in what order, whether they be the vulnerable, healthcare workers and so on? We need to find out about that. The third issue is one that is not being discussed. What are we talking about in terms of IT? How are we going to generate passports for people? Fourth, will people who get the vaccine be distinguished from those who do not? What will the former be allowed to do? Will those who do not get vaccinated be allowed to go into certain public events? In other words, what will the rules be? Fifth, I honestly believe that we need one person who will report to the Taoiseach and be accountable for all of this. The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, has enough to be doing. Other Ministers have enough to be doing.

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