Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an important debate. I welcome the Minister of State and the speech she made. We all have concerns in this House about Covid-19 and the impact is it having on people's mental health, in particular, in respect of the passing of people. I agree with Deputy Kelly on the point he made about family losses. Unfortunately, I lost my brother-in-law, Joe Quinlivan, yesterday to Covid. He was a great man for watching Tipperary play hurling and a very good husband. I know that other people here have also lost family members. I know the tragedy and the loss that is to everyone. If there is one thing that is clear from all of this tragic loss of life, it is the commitment and the supports given by medical staff, namely, doctors, nurses, nursing home staff and healthcare assistants. It is phenomenal and fantastic. It is deeply appreciated by all the people I have spoken to who have lost loved ones. They are aware of the impact that Covid must have on the capacity of staff to deal at 100% with the care and the love that they offer to their patients. We must offer any necessary additional supports to healthcare staff, whether they are ambulance staff or healthcare assistants and so on. It is a huge burden on people, given their work commitment, professionalism and dedication.

The other point I wish to make concerns those who have passed in this tragic Covid pandemic. We must make a significant contribution to recognising the sacrifices they have made through a day of national commemoration or remembrance. It is hugely important to show that these families are not alone and the community does care. We must show how much we care in terms of our State and society respecting them.

I know time is short, but I have one question for the Minister of State. There will be increased anxiety among those aged over 70 now in relation to the AstraZeneca vaccine that they are not going to get. I have had communications already this morning from people over 70 who are worried and concerned. They were concerned any way. I ask the Minister of State what reassurance she can offer them to ensure that they will get the vaccines that have been identified for them, namely, the Pfizer vaccine and so on, and that they will get them as quickly and effectively as possible. They are already deeply stressed and worried about their situation, particularly given that as they get older, their systems do not respond as well in terms of immunity. I ask the Minister of State to address the issue.

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