Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We must have a national conversation about those who have decided, for whatever reason, that they do not wish to be vaccinated. The Government must step into the frame and provide the education and information required to deal with this issue of people who are genuinely afraid of vaccines. Early in the summer, I stated I was due to have an AstraZeneca vaccination and that I was uncomfortable with it because I was being told it was a case of take it or leave it. Like everybody else, I want to be safe. I said I was not against vaccination in any way but I felt then I did not know enough about the AstraZeneca vaccine. The HSE contacted Twitter to advise the company that I was spreading misinformation. Under the video of me speaking here, there is a statement warning it is misinformation. I expressed a concern and at no stage did I offer misinformation of any sort.

This issue must be discussed openly. Some 300,000 people in the country are saying they do not want to be vaccinated. I fully respect their view and their right not to be vaccinated. I also respect the right of all those workers who must go into an office or workplace to be aware they may be sitting beside colleagues who may not be vaccinated. I also want those not vaccinated to know that I, as a vaccinated person, may be carrying the virus and that people working alongside me may be subjected to transmission and may not have the requisite protections. There is no incitement to hatred, which is what the accusation is. There is no need for any organisation concerned with equality or anybody else to be involved. Education is required and people must understand the risk involved in both directions.