Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to speak again on this fundamental issue of the Government's response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This is especially timely given the risks and challenges associated with the new Omicron variant. The current level of Covid-19, both nationally and internationally, is of concern and yet again is placing a huge strain on public services, not least the health system. I again acknowledge the enormous contributions made by all healthcare staff in the continued operation of vital services throughout the country.

Notwithstanding the challenges that face us, I take the opportunity today to provide an update, following statements last month, on some of the significant progress that is being made to further enhance protections, in particular for the older population and people using mental health services in response to Covid-19. I am pleased to say that significant progress has been made in the administration of booster vaccines to the over-80s population within the community. Among the 164,000 people in this age cohort, more than 140,000 vaccines have been administered to date through the excellent work of GPs. GPs are also administering additional doses to over-70s in the community, of which there are approximately 339,000 individuals.

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