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

The Minister says the system of distribution for vaccines must be seen to be fair, safe and effective. What is he doing about the fact, as published by The Irish Times, that 800 people have been vaccinated outside of priority groups 1 and 2? Can he account for that fact? They are the most vulnerable and the sickest or potentially those who are most likely to suffer serious illness. How can 800 other people be vaccinated outside that cohort? What audit is the Department or the HSE carrying out to ensure there is fair and equitable distribution and that family members or other people who are not in categories 1 or 2 are excluded? It is hugely important, particularly in view of the cases being made here today about people with serious kidney disease and other very serious and chronic illnesses.

I note "The Michael Reade Show" on LMFM has identified that at least two workers in a nursing home who tested positive for Covid were placed in a private hotel for accommodation without the HSE or indeed anybody in the hotel being advised that they were sick. That is a very serious issue. Is the Minister aware of this and can he or will he carry out an investigation into it?

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