Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to begin by focusing on the positives. There has been a huge reduction in the number of cases in nursing homes and among front-line workers. That is fantastic and is proof that the vaccines are working. The fact that 99% of those aged over 85 years have been vaccinated is something we have to welcome. It is good news. The fact that we have conducted a review of the NIAC priority list and have been able to accommodate people with chronic kidney disease and transplantees is good news. It means that we are listening. The fact that two mass vaccination centres will be opened in Cork South-West is good news for the people of my constituency.

I have to take this opportunity to speak on behalf of sections of society that feel they are being overlooked. Like most Deputies here today, I want to speak up on behalf of carers. Family carers are frozen and petrified with fear that they will bring the virus into places where they are looking after their vulnerable loved ones. We have to look at that.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the phenomenal work of An Garda Síochána throughout the country. Its members have provided amazing service during the pandemic. Most Deputies make daily or weekly trips to and from Leinster House. I meet the same gardaí at the same checkpoints every week when I make that trip.

Hail, rain or shine, they are there. They are in Ballinascarty, Bandon, Innishannon and in The Viaduct. No matter what the weather, they are there and they are there to protect us. The work they are doing is phenomenal. We have to acknowledge that. They are so accommodating and they are friendly in how they do their job and they are doing it right. They face extraordinary circumstances. We saw what they faced on the streets of Dublin and they faced similar scenes on the streets of Cork. When they are called out to an incident, they have no idea of what circumstances they are being called out to or whether there is Covid present there. Like other Deputies, I received a letter from the Garda Representative Association. All it seeks is that consideration be given to members of An Garda Síochána being vaccinated after the medically vulnerable. I would love a comment on that. For the extraordinary work they are doing, they deserve more.

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