Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Carers are very much on the front line, working up close and personal with people. Many of the people they are caring for will be getting the vaccine, but to set the minds of carers at ease, could the Minister outline the plans to ensure that they will be vaccinated quickly? Carers need to get a clear indication in that regard. I know steps have been taken, but could he indicate the plans for advancing their vaccination to set the minds of carers at ease?

Pharmacists are a cohort of people who could be involved in the roll-out of the vaccine. GPs are fairly busy administering the vaccine already, but if pharmacists were engaged, they could back them up and almost double the number of vaccinators. Could the Minister outline how quickly pharmacists will be engaged in getting vaccines rolled out? They would genuinely add so much to the pace. The pace of the roll-out is a significant issue for many, especially vulnerable people. The reprioritisation was a very positive move for cohorts 4, 5 and 7, which are people with various conditions. I imagine it is not going to be that straightforward to identify a large number of them but many vulnerable people already have a relationship with pharmacists, hospitals and so on. Could the Minister outline how people will be identified? Will they have to engage with pharmacists, consultants or hospitals? I know he will not have a quick answer on that so he might be able to send me a note on it in order that I can outline the information to people and set their minds at ease as to how those in vulnerable groups will be identified.

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