Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge there is some confusion about that. I regret it if there was any confusion in the ether. Responsibility for the programme rests with the Department of Health and the HSE. Currently, early learning childcare staff and school-age childcare staff are in vaccination category 11.

I have advocated with the HSE and the Department of Health that that prioritisation continues to be re-examined. I know Deputy Cullinane got a response that indicated a higher priority. I have asked the HSE to contact him and I think it may have done so this morning with a correction on that point. It is important to say that I and my Department continue to engage with the Department of Health on the prioritisation of childcare professionals within the vaccination programme and as evidence changes we will continue to do so.

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