Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On the issue of companies providing the vaccine privately, it is a matter we will have to examine. We certainly would not want it to undermine in any way our programme of vaccination, which will be free of charge and based on need. It might be the case, however, that the company that produces the vaccine will want to vaccinate its own staff. We would have to think long and hard about preventing it from doing so considering that it developed the vaccine.

On whether legislation will be needed for the vaccine database, I do not know the answer. I will check it out. Secondary legislation, rather than primary legislation, may be required. If it is primary, it will have to come to the House soon. I will certainly raise that with the Minister for Health, if not immediately, by the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The Deputy is correct that there are now tickets on sale for some major events that we all hope will go ahead next summer. My advice is that there is no guarantee that those events will go ahead. It might be some time yet before we can attend matches, concerts and mass gatherings. I hope it will be possible in the summer. That is far from sure at this point. Under the law, it is possible for companies organising events to cancel and reschedule them. They do not have to refund the cost of a ticket. People buying a ticket should be aware that they are not guaranteed a refund. They might find the event is rescheduled.

See this speech in context