Could we have a question?

I have a question on the vaccine roll-out. We all know that vaccines do not save lives: getting vaccinated saves lives. What matters is getting the vaccine where it needs to be. I have been contacted by front-line healthcare workers over the weekend who have seen staff within our hospital system and communities getting prioritised who do not have patient-facing roles. They have said it is simply not a case of what a person does but who you know. That must stop. We must ensure the vaccine gets to the front line, where it is needed.

The time is up.

Will the Tánaiste make a statement on this today? Will the Government issue guidance to hospitals to ensure the vaccine gets to the front line where it is needed first?

The Deputy's time is up. I am not addressing anyone in particular but this is not fair to other Deputies. Will the Tánaiste just reply to the question?

Under the protocol for prioritising people for the vaccine, the first group comprises nursing home residents and staff, as the Deputy knows. The second group comprises healthcare workers who have patient-facing roles and who either work with Covid-19 patients or other patients, such as in emergency departments. They are most at risk and they are supposed to be prioritised over healthcare staff who do not have patient-facing roles. We must allow a certain level of flexibility in hospitals but the Government policy and National Immunisation Advisory Committee, NIAC, recommendations are very clear. Healthcare workers with patient-facing roles should be prioritised over healthcare workers who do not have such roles, but all healthcare workers will be vaccinated.