Joe Conway (Independent)

I will say a couple of things about the response provided by the Minister. First, HIQA, which published its findings in 2024, examined two contradictory cohorts, so the evidence it has given is not pertinent to the argument. I do not doubt for a moment the sincerity of the Minister but I do doubt the Government's ability to do sums. Over four years, 200,000 vaccines per year will cost €50 million a year, or €200 million. There will be 7,000 probable hospitalisations from shingles over four years. Including maintenance, specialists, pathology and pharmacy, stepdown and aftercare, these will cost an approximate €68 million a year for four years, and counting. In the lifetime of this Government, the Minister for Health and the Government could save us upwards of €70 million over the next four years if a vaccine were introduced for people aged 65 and over, as opposed to blithely throwing €700 million to clubs and pubs, Domino's and McDonald's. It is an awful cliché but a no-brainer. Into the bargain, the Government would end the scandal of brazenly expecting the poorest pensioners in this State to fund a €500 bill to keep themselves free from the scourge of shingles.

I wish to say a special thanks to Active Retirement Ireland for its input in working with me on this Commencement matter.