Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the good outline on this necessary legislation. It is unfortunately, as we always say when we are passing or renewing such extraordinary legislation in this House, but it is necessary. The Omicron variant has shown that the situation of the pandemic and the virus is continually evolving and we need to stay on top of it. The Minister, his officials and his colleagues in the Department have done a very good job.

The vaccination campaign was an overwhelming success. The boosters are going well. I acknowledge there have been some hiccups in relation to double appointments and people not showing up and there is a little confusion there. I know that the Minister will work over the coming days to clear up that confusion.

From today, anybody aged 50 and upwards can avail of their booster shot. Many people are looking forward to the day that they become eligible for their booster. I know I am. I become eligible on Christmas Day. I hope the Minister is keeping the vaccination and booster centres open over Christmas, because I will be there if they are open.

This legislation is to allow the regulation of the Covid pass and face masks. We have had a very positive reaction to both of these measures in Ireland. People have been very open. They understand that they are there to protect public health and to allow us live as best we can in the middle of this pandemic. I hope that everybody in this House would support these measures.

I welcome the vaccine programme for the five to 11-year-olds. The Minister stated that his Department and the HSE are working on an operational plan. I read this morning that child-only vaccination centres are being planned. This is to be welcomed. It is really positive.

The priority list was published also, I believe, yesterday. What I would like the Minister to indicate is when those vaccines will be delivered to the first children in the priority list. If the vaccines are arriving in a week, will it be this side of, or after, Christmas?

The Minister knows he has my support. He is doing a great job. The Minister's officials are doing a great job. I look forward to the day when we are not in here discussing this and we are discussing all the other wonderful health measures that the Minister and his colleagues are working on. For now, I am happy to have the Minister here discussing this. It is keeping our country safe and keeping as much open as possible. I thank the Minister.