Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Members for a valuable expression of views today. While I certainly do not agree with Senator Keogan in much of what she said, of course she has every right to express her views. However, my understanding of the rules of this House is that statements on a particular issue are statements and Senators are not allowed to ask questions. We all accept that. If we want to change that I am sure there are ways we can do so.

I have no problem standing here and complimenting the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Rabbitte and Butler. However, I want to give pride of place to the people of this nation for their outstanding patience and for suffering so much. It is fair to say that they have been very tolerant. Even though they are extremely upset and annoyed at times about the way they are boxed in, they see the difficulty of the situation.Senator Keogan contradicted herself. If I heard her correctly, she spoke about the Government suspending the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine and she then made a statement regarding vaccines being developed over nine months when usually that takes 12 years. The Senator cannot have it both ways.