Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not take the same interpretation as the Deputy of the interview he mentions. If we get down to the nuts and bolts of this, much of what was proposed in this House formed the substance of the talks and the engagement between the partners and the Minister. On 4 January the Deputy said that if schools are to close, the Department must assess a middle course between having all open and all closed and asked if we could find in-school solutions for certain categories like in other countries. He mentioned children of front-line workers, DEIS and special needs students, as well as leaving certificate students, and sought vaccination as soon as possible.

I support much of what he says and it was discussed and agreed between the Minister and others. It included 50% attendance on alternate days, medical grade personal protective equipment, PPE, and special arrangements for childcare. The full range of requests made of the Minister were provided. That must be said and the Minister must reflect her position in all of this. I know she wants to go forward in the spirit of co-operation.

On the vaccination question, we are guided by the national immunisation advisory committee. The fundamental benefit of the vaccination is to prevent and reduce mortality and severe illness, and that is best applied to nursing home residents and front-line healthcare workers. That is a live and active issue.

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