Clare’s Sinn Féin TD is calling for more Government transparency on the decision-making process surrounding the re-opening of the economy.
Violet-Anne Wynne has acknowledged that the easing of restrictions will be dependent on the success of the vaccination programme and says reassurances are now needed to ensure targets can be met.
It comes as a Minister of State at the Deparment of Finance has reassured the people of Clare that the country remains on track to give most people their first vaccine by June.
The online portal and phone line for registration for vaccines has opened for the first time today, with the HSE asking people to register on specific days based on their age to manage demand.
Sixty-nine year olds can register for their jab today, with the 65-68 year olds encouraged to go online over the coming days.
It follows concerns around shortfalls of jabs due to heightened caution around the use of the AstraZeneca and the Johnson and Johnson vaccines, though Pfizer will provide an extra 550,000 doses to Ireland before June.
The Tanaiste admits some of the messaging from Europe about the AstraZeneca vaccine has been unhelpful, but he believes it’s safe.
Leo Varadkar says anyone who refused to take it ‘will have to wait until the end’ of the vaccine programme for another one.
Clare’s Sinn Fein TD insists its vital that the Government takes appropriate steps now to ensure delays in re-opening the economy are no longer than needed.
However, Violet Anne Wynne admits that will be dependent on the success of the vaccine programme.
The Kilrush-based Deputy believes that targets now need to be laid out for what’s required to get people back to work.
A Minister of State at the Department of Finance insists that supports will continune to be provided to businesses to ensure they can stay afloat.
Sean Fleming says the health of the nation is far more important to the economy, than the amount the pandemic has cost so far.
He says getting people back to work is a priority and he’s confident that the vaccine programme is progressing as planned to help achieve that.
