Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I accept the complexity involved but this particular cohort is time-limited, unlike many others. It is not really fair to leave them in that kind of limbo, where they do not know what the plan is. What does "as soon as possible" mean? That is not good enough. I ask the Minster to get some kind of concrete timescale so women know where they stand and when they are likely to receive it. On those other practical issues relating to registering, who will give the vaccine and all of that, the Minister has announced it without giving any of the detail and that is not very satisfactory. I ask that he provide that detail as soon as possible, and certainly within the next week.

I also wish to ask about the role of pharmacists. The Minister mentioned the pharmacy network. He know those involved are ready and willing to do that. Can he now give a timescale for when pharmacists are likely to be brought onboard to start providing that service? In that respect, I highlight also that there is a very significant dip in the administration of vaccines every weekend. It happens on Saturdays and Sundays and this week it happened on Monday as well. The number drop down to about 12,000, which is just not really acceptable at this stage when it should be rolled out as quickly as possible. Pharmacists obviously have a key role as well. What is the timescale for the pharmacists being involved?

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