The Tánaiste mentioned earlier that the detailed vaccination plan will be announced in the coming weeks, which is welcome. Will An Post postal delivery workers be included or prioritised for vaccination as part of that plan, like other front-line workers?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question as I do not know. This decision will be made on foot of the best scientific and medical advice from the national immunisation advisory committee, NIAC, and that is the best way to make these decisions. The workers who will be prioritised are those who are required by virtue of their work to come into close social contact with other people - essentially, people who cannot social distance. I appreciate that An Post delivery workers have sprung to mind for Deputy Pringle, and they have a case, but the ones who spring to mind for me are those who work in special education. I visited a special school in my constituency a few weeks ago with Senator Currie and I came away with an understanding of how social distancing is pretty much impossible for people who work with those with special needs. For people who work in special education, close contact is much the same as it would be for a healthcare worker and I hope NIAC will give them favourable consideration as well.