Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of deliveries perhaps we can discuss it further. It would require co-operation. For example, in good faith I gave a detailed target for September and that then moved because of AstraZeneca. Within an hour I was being accused of making false promises. If we are going to use forecast information my ask back is that all of us in the House use it accordingly because it has not always been used in that way.

On AstraZeneca, NPHET will meet today. I do not believe there will be a recommendation from NIAC today but I know it is something we are keen on and NIAC is looking at. It may not make that recommendation but, in the context of the Deputy's question, if it does so it would accelerate vaccination of those aged over 70. With regard to pharmacists, cohort 3 is with GPs and the details for cohort 4, which comprises those at very high risk with underlying conditions, are still being worked out. The latest thinking is cohort 4 will be vaccinated by GPs and consultants at a mixture of GP practices and hospital settings because we are dealing with people with very serious conditions. I do not like hazarding a guess on these things because it tends to get one in trouble when it does not come true but very shortly thereafter, as we begin to ramp up to the more general population, the pharmacists will get involved.

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