Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have time only for a statement. I raised with the Minister a few weeks before Christmas the need for a separate Minister or Department or part of a Department, or a separate and unique voice, in the overseeing of the roll-out of the Covid vaccine. While my suggestion was met not quite with derision, nonetheless there was a strong sense of we know what we are doing, that we do not need a separate Department or section to deal with what I then described as the single most important piece of work this Government will undertake during its time in office.

From a human perspective, our response in rolling out the vaccine matters more than anything. From a political perspective, it will be the benchmark by which this Government is judged. As Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly already has a significant workload. Twelve months ago, nobody could have foreseen the unthinkable challenge that would be faced by the healthcare system. It is not possible for one person to manage healthcare and be in charge of the vaccine roll-out. What I am saying is not personal or political; it is practical. I refer to the putting in place of a national plan to facilitate the macro picture and the micromanagement that is needed as well as the detailed planning that helps to ensure confidence, buy-in and belief in the system.

A few weeks ago, I raised the issue of Sligo University Hospital, where there has been real concern about those who got the vaccine, those who did not and when the latter group will get it. Such concerns are repeated throughout the country. A significant part of the problem is the lack of full transparency with regard to detailed planning. Many people, especially those on the front line, are on edge. Any hint of unfairness, injustice or queue-jumping feeds the sense that we are not in this together. The only way to combat this is by appointing a chief vaccinating officer or other person who would be the face and voice of a vaccine roll-out. That person could be the Minister or others could take on board some of the responsibility, but we desperately need a single face and voice to reassure people.

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