Dáil debates

Thursday, 17 December 2020

Covid-19 Task Force: Statements

 

6:20 pm

Photo of Ruairi Ó MurchúRuairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to add my voice to much of what has been said. I wish the Minister, the HSE and all of our front-line healthcare workers, some of whom have been through a gruelling year, a safe Christmas. I thank them for all they have done. Like others, my thoughts are with those who have lost people during this pandemic.

It is vital that we are having this discussion. There was a point when we would not have thought it possible that we would be here in December talking about possibility of the vaccine being rolled out across Europe on 27, 28 and 29 December. Like others, when it is my time I will be only too delighted to take the vaccine. I accept that there are people with views to the contrary. We need to ensure the experts are front and centre in ensuring the truth is out there in regard to the vaccines. Vaccines save lives.

I wish Professor Brian MacCraith the best of luck. Alongside the Minister, he and his team have a huge job to do in the roll-out of the vaccine to those on the priority list, which will need to be reviewed into the future. There will also be need for a review of the structures and processes to ensure vaccination is rolled-out to everybody. We need to make it as accessible as possible and we need to ensure that this happens on a global basis.

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