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

The Deputy will be aware that there are 15 levels in the prioritisation schedule agreed by Cabinet last Tuesday. The schedule is based entirely on medical and scientific advice and Government did not alter it in any way. We are very much guided by the doctors and scientists regarding vaccination, starting with those at most risk, which is those aged over 65 in nursing homes, moving on to healthcare workers and then others based on age, disease status and risk profile. As we said at the time, nothing is set in stone. I hear the case that the Deputy makes in regard to people under 65 with respiratory illnesses such as CF, who are definitely high risk. When I speak to the CMO next week it is one of the issues I will raise with him. We need to be flexible and to potentially change the schedule as science and knowledge develops.

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