Disappointment has been expressed in Clare over changes to the vaccination programme.
The priority list will now be based on age, a move has been criticised by teachers, gardaí and family carers as well as a number of opposition parties.
But the decision has prompted anger from some of those representing those groups.
The government has defended the changes to the vaccine roll-out, despite them being strongly criticised from those in sectors whoexpected that they would be given priority.
The new model will see people vaccinated based on age after the over-70s, medically vulnerable and those with underlying conditions have been taken care of.
It means groups like gardaí, teachers and family carers that had been pushing for early vaccination won’t get it.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has stood over the decision:
Teachers say they’re “furious” about the change, and that it came without prior communication from government.
They say their prioiritsation was part of the agreement on-reopening schools earlier this year.
INTO Clare Representative Brendan Horan says the risk of spreading the virus is too high not to consider teaching staff a priority.
Gardaí, too, are bitterly disappointed over last night’s announcement.
Representatives from the association last week held discussions with the Justice Minister outlining their concerns over their level of contact with the public, and say there was no indication of this change.
Clare representative Garda Paul Crowley says members of the force believe their concerns haven’t been taken on board, and he says they feel let down by the Government, even though they find themselves in high risk situations on a dailly basis.
