Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, his Department and all of our front-line workers for their work and commitment during the pandemic. I have three questions for the Minister, the first of which is in regard to Johnson & Johnson. There is speculation that it is about to announce that it has a vaccine suitable for dealing with Covid-19. Has the Department of Health engaged with Johnson & Johnson, which has a base in Ireland, and has there been engagement by the European Commission with the company on long-term planning in respect of its vaccine?

I know that there are a number of groups demanding assistance in regard to vaccination at an early date. One such group is the parents, brothers and sisters of young people with intellectual disabilities who are caring for them while working full-time at home but are not getting the necessary supports. Can they be prioritised for vaccination at an early date?

There is clear evidence that people who have a vitamin D deficiency have fewer defences if they contract Covid-19. I took part in a Zoom conference on Monday last. One of the presentations made by a medical expert referenced that vitamin D deficiency is a huge problem in the context of depression and mental health. We need to roll-out a national programme advertising and promoting the use of vitamin D. In the UK, a four-month supply of vitamin D is being provided to people in nursing homes and the elderly. We need to do this. What is the Department doing in terms of the promotion of the use of vitamin D?

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