Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is fair to say that Irish people are very anxious at this time. Tolerance levels are low. Since the pandemic was declared and the first death in Ireland was declared this day last year, like many other Deputies, I have received many queries in regard to Covid-19, most of which related to financial supports for individuals and businesses but also in regard to the reopening of schools and childcare and, in particular, the leaving certificate examination. It is clear there is huge interest in the vaccines issue among the public. Clear communication on the matter is important. The tendency to catastrophise even minor problems is not helpful at this time. It is a hugely logistical operation to put in place the infrastructure to vaccinate our citizens. In addition, sometimes certainty and clarity are not possible given the unpredictability of the virus, among other things.

There is an obvious issue concerning the supply of vaccines, as we have discussed this morning. I firmly believe that Ireland was right to go the EU route even though some are now questioning this approach. It was not an option for Ireland as a small country to go it alone in a dog-eat-dog global vaccine market, where we would end up accepting lower standards, paying more and with delivery being even more unreliable. That said, many want to know the position on doing bilateral deals. Is this an option? How credible are assertions that one or two EU states are doing better by going outside of the EU? Can Ireland do separate deals with Russia, the UK, China or the US or go directly to the pharmaceutical companies to get additional supplies? I have my doubts on that.

I want to ask about the vaccine bonus. What has been happening in regard to nursing homes is cruel, where residents have not received face-to-face visitors for many months. I hope that NPHET will make a positive decision in that regard. A comment from the Minister in that regard would be useful. On logistical problems, there have been issues in my constituency in terms of vaccines not arriving on time and appointments for elderly people being cancelled. I appreciate that a decision has been made that the National Ambulance Service will deliver the vaccine to those confined to the home. Is Dublin Fire Brigade involved in the administration of vaccines in the Dublin area?

On cohort 4, vulnerable people, will they be contacted by their GP or will the vaccine be administered to them in a hospital setting?

See this speech in context