Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What I want and what the HSE has asked for is that there is maximum flexibility in compassion when it comes to maternity hospitals. We all understand why that is. At the same time, the HSE continues to allow local hospitals apply discretion, which indeed they must. Some hospitals are dealing with much higher rates of Covid in the community than others. As I said earlier, we would love as consistent and open a national approach as possible. That is what Paul Reid was speaking to earlier on. However, it is not being applied uniformly because some maternity hospitals have made a call that they do not believe it is safe for them. I support that and their local right to make those decisions. Obviously, we would like to see things move more quickly.

In terms of registrations, the answer is "Yes". Once you are in an age cohort which can register online, you can do so any time you want. If you are 69 years of age, you will be able to register the whole time.

How do we deal with vaccine hesitancy? We listen to people. We respect them and we supply them with the best possible information in order that they can make informed choices.

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