Flu vaccine confusion
After some procedural interjections about information-sharing, Senator Buttimer called urgently for the Minister for Health to come to the House because of confusion over flu vaccine availability and administration. He said certainty was needed during the pandemic, and the exchange ended with reminders about Standing Orders.
I apologise to the Cathaoirleach but it is disingenuous of Members to come in here and claim different things. We are a political people and we are entitled, as Members, to share information just as Departments are entitled to share information. Senator Craughwell is a good man to give it but he had better take it as well. I apologise to the Cathaoirleach as it would not be my intent to be disrespectful.
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I have no problem with Senator Buttimer intervening in the speech of Senator Craughwell. Just follow the procedures under Standing Orders.
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I hope that information was sent to Senator Craughwell as well.
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I did not hear the Senator and ask him to repeat what he said.
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Please show respect for Members who are not in the House
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I remind Senator Buttimer and the Deputy Whip that Standing Order 39 relates to them as well. Senator Buttimer has one minute and 20 seconds.
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I can assure Senator Gallagher that when it comes to the collective sharing of information, we can do that. I am sure that he knows what I mean by that.
A Chathaoirligh, I ask that the Minister for Health comes to the House as a matter of urgency. There is absolute confusion around the flu vaccine this morning. At the time of a pandemic, there is a need for certainty and confidence in the Health Service Executive. GPs are sharing information with us regarding the availability, non-availability or suspension of the administration of the flu vaccine. If Members who are in government today were on the other side of the House, they would be in here roaring and proposing an amendment to the Order of the Business to have the Minister come to the House. This is a matter for the HSE. Dr. Colm Henry appeared on "Morning Ireland" this morning but there is an absolute need for clarity and certainty for GPs and pharmacists around reimbursement but also among the people, na gnáth daoine, the most vulnerable of whom are in need of the flu vaccine.
I ask that the Minister for Health comes to this House to address the reimbursement of pharmacists and GPs, plus the availability of the flu vaccine. Do we have a plan for the future, in the coming weeks, to distribute the flu vaccine? This is not a partisan matter but one of public health.