Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have been at a committee meeting so I apologise if I ask the Minister questions that have been asked. First, I raise the issue of the non-referral test centres. They are a very important step forward, particularly for those people in education about whom we all have many concerns. As of 11 o'clock this morning, any teacher, pupil or parent in our area who has a concern and needs to access a test can do so. That is a very welcome step for education, if not for the wider monitoring of the virus.

Second, I hope the five centres are the start of dealing with this virus. In my constituency, Whitehall-Artane, Ballymun and Finglas have some of the highest rates of infection in the country. The Minister might consider them for the location of an additional test centre when they become available. The two test centres we have are within a 5 km or 6 km distance but I imagine the Minister wants to catch as many cases as possible so I urge him to consider those areas with the highest numbers.

Third, April has been indicated as the month when the supply of vaccines will finally arrive. In terms of AstraZeneca particularly, can the Minister give the indicative dates and timelines the pharmaceutical companies have given him for delivery in April?

My final question concerns the continued desire to clarify the position of key workers. I refer to those driving buses, members of An Garda Síochána and family carers. I ask the Minister to update the House on that.

See this speech in context