Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Vaccination is a choice. I need to make that clear. It is a choice for parents. I believe in a choice-based approach.

The only people I forgot to mention when I spoke about what has been successful were retired people who got involved in the vaccination process. Perhaps we could put out a cry for help for them to come back on board. The retired community gave invaluable time. They have experience and a skill set that should be embraced and used at this time.

On medical exemptions, I have already worked with the HSE in the disability area for an exemption mask pass for persons with disabilities. That is already designed with the HSE and has been done. The pass can be issued. It is encoded, with HSE backing, for persons who have a disability and cannot wear a mask. That is what I have done within my Department. I will take on board what Senators said on medical exemptions and bring it back to the Minister. From a disability point of view, I have a mask pass designed, approved and ready for roll-out.

On air filtration systems, it is welcome that the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, has given funding to the schools. They need to use the time over the Christmas period to ensure it is rolled out.