Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My thanks to Deputy Browne for the question on the vaccination plans for key workers in the dairy processing sector. Recently, I met representatives of the dairy sector and this issue was raised. As the Deputy knows, the vaccination roll-out has been given strong and deft consideration by the national immunisation advisory committee. Our roll-out and approach are based on the committee's considerations. We have many priority and vulnerable categories. Each is deserving in respect of the urgency of receiving a vaccine. The position is likewise in the agrifood sector, where there are many essential workers. The dairy sector has particular challenges relating to capacity at peak times and the importance of those workers is relevant. The national immunisation advisory committee is aware of these issues and has taken them on board in its consideration of vaccination roll-out and prioritisation.

Deputy Conway-Walsh raised a query on which I have received many representations from County Mayo Deputies and Senators. I have been engaged with Teagasc on the potential to put in place additional capacity for part-time and online Green Cert courses. We will continue to engage to try to identify additional capacity because of the increased demand and because of the particular situation relating to over-subscription of the course being run in Mayo.

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