Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can assure Senator Gallagher that when it comes to the collective sharing of information, we can do that. I am sure that he knows what I mean by that.

A Chathaoirligh, I ask that the Minister for Health comes to the House as a matter of urgency. There is absolute confusion around the flu vaccine this morning. At the time of a pandemic, there is a need for certainty and confidence in the Health Service Executive. GPs are sharing information with us regarding the availability, non-availability or suspension of the administration of the flu vaccine. If Members who are in government today were on the other side the House, they would be in here roaring and proposing an amendment to the Order of the Business to have the Minister come to the House. This is a matter for the HSE. Dr. Colm Henry appeared on "Morning Ireland" this morning but there is an absolute need for clarity and certainty for GPs and pharmacists around reimbursement but also among the people, na gnáth daoine, the most vulnerable of whom are in need of the flu vaccine.

I ask that the Minister for Health comes to this House to address the reimbursement of pharmacists and GPs, plus the availability of the flu vaccine. Do we have a plan for the future, in the coming weeks, to distribute the flu vaccine? This is not a partisan matter but one of public health.