Last week, I raised the issue of the flu vaccine. I would like an update because there is serious concern among all GPs and also among many sectors of society. There are pharmacies advertising the flu vaccine online but when one fills in the form, one cannot get it. They say one will not be able to get it this year if one is not in one of the priority groups, and we all know who the priority groups are. What is the position regarding the volume of vaccine we will be getting? I have raised this issue for many months. It was flagged quite early that we needed to ensure we had the supply coming in. Where are we at as regards the supply? How will it be managed out to the healthcare professionals? Over what timespan will we have the vaccine this year? We are up against an immediate deadline and, given non-Covid versus Covid, the Taoiseach and I both know that the vaccine is critical.

The Deputy will be aware that there have been issues in the manufacturing, delivery and shipment of the vaccine to Ireland. Some has arrived and is being distributed. More is on the way and by the end of this month, there should be significant additional supplies. It is beyond the control of Government and the State in terms of the issues that apply here.