Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will do questions and answers, if that is okay. I thank the Minister. At the outset, I want to say one of the simpler requests I received before the new year and Christmas was that Ireland should not be behind the curve in terms of vaccine roll-out within the EU. Thankfully, that is the case that we are not and it must be acknowledged. We are ahead of the curve. We have all had queries, however, and we are all receiving multiple representations from members of our constituencies. I have a few who are looking for a bit of clarity. The Minister touched on some points already. I came in towards the end of his answer to Deputy Cullinane so I want to get further clarity on that.

Pharmacists, pharmacy workers, GPs, carers and dentists are the people who are getting in touch with us in terms of when they will be vaccinated. Of course, we must welcome the deal that has been done with GPs and pharmacists in terms of the roll-out of the vaccine. With that, however, come questions as to clarity and certainty on when this cohort will be vaccinated. In his answer, the Minister might focus particularly on pharmacy workers and pharmacy staff. Unfortunately, what is happening in the community is that people with Covid-19 symptoms are walking into pharmacists and chemists. They should not be but it is happening and staff are obviously concerned. Could the Minister please give further clarity on those cohorts?

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