Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry to cut across the Minister. I accept that those over the age of 70, and those in nursing homes should be prioritised, and I agree with that. Will there be a prioritisation for persons who are in receipt of home care because of their unique vulnerability? It is a "Yes" or "No" answer.

I will ask a couple of other questions because of the propensity to develop a narrative. I do not disagree with that; it is just that my time is limited. Antigen testing is something that I have called for in the past. I am not saying that it should replace or supplant PCR testing but I am asking whether the Government will consider the roll out of more antigen testing for travellers and the general population, in order to ascertain whether they pose a risk. The European Commission has recommended it and we seem to be laggards in Europe in that regard.

I also want to raise the issue of blame generally. Like everyone else, I am hugely concerned about the Covid figures. There is a tendency to blame people, and that concerns me. I worry about the effect that will have on society. Where is the flu this year? A small minority of people behaved recklessly, and I do not condone that in any way. If the population or indeed, the Government behaved as recklessly as some would suggest, then where is the flu? Clearly the social distancing measures such as the wearing of masks etc. seem to be having an effect on the flu. Lastly, in the event that there is a flu pandemic this year, as there is every year, are we prepared?

I have put four questions to the Minister.

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