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

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. We are at a critical stage. The challenges that have been with us over the past three months have been aggravating and the public mood is very concerned about this and the issues involved. We need to be very fair in our comment on this. Europe has been behind the curve on this and we, as a result, have been taking the flak.

When European Commission officials were looking for vaccines, were they considering the price rather than the supply and did they put price before supply?

I also note the joy of people when they receive vaccines, such as the elderly, the front-line staff, and so forth, but we also need to look at the carers. There has been much talk about the carers who are provide a significant service on behalf of the State and we need to ensure that they are looked at in so far as it is humanly possible.

Whatever the figures are for the roll-out of the vaccine in quarter 2, when we are here on 25 June 2021, the facts must stand up that we have achieved what is needed. Society is on the verge with mental health issues, frustration and anxiety after having dealt with this for 12 months. It is important that we ensure that everything coming from Europe and every commitment that is given is followed through.

It is crucial for the public to know the time it takes once the vaccine arrives in Ireland to be in somebody's arm. It is very important that a sense must be given that there is an efficient roll-out of the vaccine as fast as it is coming in.

Can the Minister address the European issue, vaccines availability in the second quarter and the timescale for vaccination?

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