Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Ministers today. It is great that we can welcome the vaccination roll-out because it is very positive. The reopening from 2 June of accommodation services such as hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, self-catering and hostels is very important. Many pub owners in counties Carlow and Kilkenny have contacted me. I ask the Minister to look at this issue again. It is important that we are doing so well.

My understanding is that some maternity hospitals are allowing partners to accompany expectant mothers. Will the Minister provide an update in that regard?

I wish to raise a concern relating to my area. In Carlow and Kilkenny we have two excellent vaccination centres, in IT Carlow and in Cillín Hill in Kilkenny. Many people from Carlow are now going to Kilkenny for their vaccination. I compliment everyone on the excellent service being provided. I was delighted to get my vaccination last week in Kilkenny, but I am lucky as I have a car. One of the biggest issues raised with me in recent weeks has been that of people who have no transport. I was in contact with the HSE about this. There was no number for people to ring to say they had no transport or ask if they could go to Carlow instead of Kilkenny. I was trying to get some information for people, but was unable to do so. Will the Minister put something in place for people who do not have transport? It is important that people who are unable to go to Kilkenny are able to get vaccinated in their home town of Carlow. As the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, outlined, there has been confusion about Eircodes. I understand from the HSE that different age cohorts such as those aged between 60 and 70 years or those aged between 50 and 60 years have to be done at the same time. That is why Carlow people had to go to Kilkenny. That is good, but I urge the Minister to address transport as it has become an issue.

I welcome the fact that McCauley pharmacies are supporting the vaccination roll-out. The company announced that vaccinations will be given in six of its pharmacies, including in Carlow. I am delighted with that. The pharmacies will be able to vaccinate up to 200 people daily, which is very good news. The Minister spoke about pharmacies. It is great news for me and for people in all of the other centres where vaccines are being administered. I compliment McCauley pharmacies on doing this. It is great that Carlow will be one of its vaccination centres.

On rapid testing, it is important that we consider the use of antigen tests. I have received several queries about the TAPS payment and I urge the Minister of State to examine the issue. I know she said the scheme will come to a halt at the end of June, but I urge her to consider an appeal mechanism in the review as that would be important for nursing homes that may need support.

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