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

I wish to raise the issue of vitamin D supplementation as part of a suite of measures to help to protect our citizens against Covid-19. We all know that the vaccination roll-out will be somewhat delayed and we still do not know if the vaccine will prevent transmission of the virus. We also know that many new variants are emerging and will continue to emerge over the next period. Therefore, it is pretty clear that the fight against Covid-19 nationally and globally will be much longer than we had hoped. I am being as positive as I can be in saying that.

All ways and means that we have as individuals to protect ourselves, those we care for, our neighbours and friends should be deployed. I have listened to many medics, including Professor Luke O'Neill. This morning he recognised and supported the role of vitamin D in boosting the immune system and thus helping to protect people from different viruses, including Covid-19. I believe that the UK is about to mandate vitamin D supplementation to help protect its citizens. I acknowledge that there have been no double-blind placebo chemical trials but more and more medics, as opposed to alternative healthcare practitioners, are saying that vitamin D has a positive impact.

The Tánaiste and all other Members want to ensure that our citizens have the very best protection. We agree with the overall approach involving handwashing, the wearing of masks and social distancing, but vitamin D supplementation has a role to play. In my view, and in that of many medics in this country and across the globe, this role is significant. One way or the other, vitamin D plays an important role in supporting our immune systems in fighting Covid-19. That is also what vaccines do. Vaccines do not kill Covid-19, they help our immune systems to fight it. Vitamin D can do likewise. Will the Tánaiste look at the advice in respect of vitamin D supplementation?

See this speech in context