Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, I offer my condolences to the Deputy and his family on the death of his brother-in-law, at what is a very difficult time. As Deputy Kelly stated earlier, it is very difficult when only ten people can attend a funeral. Considering all the hoops that must be jumped through in normal times, it is most difficult.

On the question the Deputy raised, there is increased anxiety in respect of vaccines. Yesterday we heard that the AstraZeneca vaccine is not being recommended for the cohort of people aged over 70. The high-level task force is meeting as we speak to look at the issue. My understanding is that the commencement of the administration of the vaccine to those aged over 85 in mid-February will go ahead. From speaking to many constituents, I know that GPs and their staff have been very active in putting together lists. However, things will definitely have to be configured. We will have to wait for details from the HSE, the task force and the vaccine roll-out teams. It does make things more difficult, because we all know that the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at -70 degrees. As Dr. Colm Reid said, it is a fussy vaccine and it is not as straightforward as the AstraZeneca vaccine.

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