Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of questions. Will the Minister advise the House on how many over-70s who have registered for the vaccine have not, as yet, been reached? I have come across a number of those cases in my constituency. I would appreciate if the Minister could update the House on the reasons why those people have not been reached at this stage.

A number of weeks ago, I raised the issue of delivering the vaccine to housebound people. Could the Minister perhaps give a further update on that? I know that additional resources were being put on stream. I believe it is very important.

Can the Minister also give clarity with regard to the space between the first second dose? Is the ambition that the programme will remain at 12 weeks? Has he given consideration to that?

Finally, the Sinopharm vaccine is widely used in other parts of the world, including the United Arab Emirates, UAE, which has a large contingent of Irish people who live there. I understand the World Health Organization has recognised this vaccine now. Will the Minister update the House on our stance in Ireland? Do we recognise its use?

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