James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending this morning to answer questions on the vaccination strategy. It is important to outline to him the worries people have about what is happening with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The appalling way in which the company has treated EU member states and the Union itself has been incredibly unfortunate considering the major investment the company has received in public funds from across the Union. We must ensure that it upholds its commitments to the EU. In a certain sense, Ireland is being held hostage by that situation in respect of vaccinating its population. There is a high degree of expectation on the Government and the Minister to deliver in this area. Unfortunately, however, we do not produce vaccines. A multilateral approach is required on this issue and progress on vaccination can only be achieved by member states working united together. It is important to state that.

There is another matter I wish to raise with the Minister regarding the groups in society that have been inquiring about when they will receive their vaccination. Obviously, it is imperative that those who are most vulnerable receive their vaccinations as soon as possible, but, if it is at all possible the Government should put enormous focus, at the appropriate time, on trying to return teachers and students to full-time secondary education. Perhaps it would look at that sector and give it an increasing focus when it comes to the vaccination strategy and where it lies on the chart at present. I believe that is the only way we can return people to normality in education. There may be many bumps along the road that we have not yet encountered, but I am sure we will rise to those challenges when they arise. I have every confidence in the Minister, the Ministers of State and department officials, who are working exceptionally hard to deal with the challenges. However, on the specific issue of getting children back into schools and students sitting State examinations properly again, we must try to get them vaccinated as soon as possible to minimise the risk to their growth and development. Ultimately, this pandemic has been a horrific incident overall for the development of children and their lives. Unfortunately, it has made a massive dent in growth and development for anybody growing up in Ireland. It has been incredibly challenging for all age groups, but particularly for children.

Can the Minister give some information on his understanding of what is happening with AstraZeneca? I understand as of this morning, although the situation is constantly evolving, that the company is meeting the European Commission tomorrow, but perhaps the Minister might be able to provide the House with some information on that.

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