A committee headed by Mr. Justice Charles Meenan of the High Court has recommended a vaccine compensation scheme be introduced in this country to fast-track compensation for people who have been damaged as a result of taking the vaccines. This is along the lines of schemes that have already been put in place in other countries, especially countries such as the UK, where, like Ireland, the manufacturers of those products are indemnified by the State. Are the recommendations of the Meenan committee acceptable to the Government? Is such a scheme going to be put in place? If so, when?

I am aware of the scheme. It will be given serious consideration by Government. I hope the Deputy will acknowledge the pandemic has not been the most opportune time or the optimal time for dealing with the issue in detail. It is a scheme I am particularly interested in advancing in consultation with my Government colleagues and the Attorney General.