Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have been asking these questions for the past three weeks and I have not got any answers. The Minister promised me two weeks ago he would furnish me with answers. People over 65 who have a family history of clotting are worried about taking the AstraZeneca vaccine. Some tell me they are so worried they cannot even sleep. They are worried because the Tánaiste said that anyone who refused the vaccine would be put at the bottom of the pile. These are people who have genuine concerns.

I also mentioned Parkinson's disease sufferers last week. They have been in contact with me and I presume they have been in contact with the Minister as well. They are worried they have been dropped down the list due to the age categories and they are very worried about their own health issues. Does the Minister have a timeline as to when Parkinson's sufferers will be vaccinated?

The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, might be able to answer my third question, which relates to Clonakilty Community Hospital. It is not up to HIQA standards. I had a meeting with the HSE the other day and my impression was that it is not on the list to be upgraded at all. It is a hospital of excellence and the staff have worked so hard on it but it is not up to standard, and if it is not up to standard, there is an issue. Why is it not on the list to be brought up to standard? Clonakilty hospital serves a huge, vast area. I ask the Minister of State to come back to me on that.

I always go outside the line with these questions. I will probably run out of time so I may as well leave it to the Minister to reply to me in writing. The Minister said he would have a follow-up meeting with Vera Twomey. I respect that this does not relate to Covid but it is a Covid year and this is a very urgent issue. Much of the issue has been resolved - credit where credit is due - but there is a part that is not resolved. I would appreciate if we could have a follow-up meeting with the Minister as soon as possible.

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