Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all agree that recent news from the vaccine developers is a beacon of hope after a very difficult year. Vaccination is a hugely effective intervention for saving lives and promoting good health. The safety and effectiveness of vaccines is our absolute priority and any Covid-19 vaccine administered in Ireland will have to be authorised by the European Medicines Agency.

While we await news on whether these vaccines comply with all the EMA's requirement of quality, safety and efficacy, the Government had been working ahead on plans for the roll-out of vaccines. A key part of the roll-out will be ensuring that those most vulnerable to Covid-19 will receive vaccinations first. Given the country's experience with Covid-19 to date and the risk that vulnerable people and those in front-line roles in health and social care services continue to face, it is only right that they are prioritised in the allocation of the vaccine. The Government has followed the advice from our leading medical experts to guide us through this process.

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