Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate what many other speakers have said on the Covid vaccine roll-out. It has been a prime example of how, working together, we can get things done right. The feel-good factor around the country from everybody who has been vaccinated is palpable. It is important we continue that.

My first question was alluded to earlier. It relates to nursing homes and TAPS. I broached the question yesterday with the Taoiseach but the most important thing is that, when Covid arrived first, nursing homes were not prioritised. They have been prioritised since that. TAPS is very important. It helps them make sure that they can run their facilities in the safest way possible. There is a review being carried out and, until that review is complete, its findings published and the resources put in place, it is important that we continue to provide TAPS to nursing homes and not have a cliff-edge situation.

My second question relates to AstraZeneca and the 12-week gap between doses. Will the Government consider reducing the 12-week waiting time as, hopefully, the vaccination becomes more plentiful and more people are vaccinated? This is so we can reduce the time for people, especially in the context of AstraZeneca, in light of the spread of the Indian variant.

As a regional Deputy, the third issue I wish to raise relates to aviation. It has been discussed this week that the aviation industry is in crisis. We have had pilots from Aer Lingus protesting peacefully outside the gates of Leinster House. I ask the Government to look at being first in class in allowing people from North America, including Canada, enter this country once they have had their two vaccinations. This is important for the aviation industry, for the economy as a whole and for the regions, tourism and hospitality. If we can be first in class in announcing we will bring these people in, we will get a huge share of the people who will be travelling from America. Other regions such as Asia are looking at doing this but if Ireland could do it first, then people in America thinking about taking a trip would come to us and would reignite some of the businesses that are in trouble at the moment. I await the responses on those matters.

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