SAT, 06 MAR, 2021 - 06:30
ELAINE LOUGHLIN, AOIFE MOORE, AND NIAMH GRIFFIN
The Taoiseach has admitted it will be "very challenging" to meet this month's vaccination targets, given the ongoing supply issues.
Micheál Martin has also indicated that the Government is against the idea of a so-called 'vaccine bonus' which would give those who are fully vaccinated greater rights to move about or mix with larger numbers of people socially.
The Government has promised that more than 1.1m vaccines will be delivered by the end of March. However, targets will not be met next week because of ongoing supply issues.
At a vaccination centre at Galway Racecourse, Mr Martin was asked directly if the March target will now be missed, given that just 84,000 people will be vaccinated next week.
He said: "It's very challenging, yes. Obviously, we've had issues with AstraZeneca."
The Taoiseach said all vaccination targets in the months ahead are "subject to supply", which has been problematic in recent weeks.
"But, that said, we are administering significant amounts of vaccine, even now notwithstanding the challenges we have with AstraZeneca in particular. AstraZeneca are saying that they will make up the shortfalls," he said, adding that the EU is making "additional efforts" to increase capacity and supply.
GPs have expressed concern that if the logistical issues around supply and delivery to them are not ironed out, it could put the whole rollout of the vaccine into question.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the Government's failure to communicate on the vaccine programme is denting public confidence.
"It's now very clear that there are concerns — not just about supply, but equally about the distribution of vaccines," she said.
"If we're experiencing these level of difficulties at this point, when the rollout of vaccine is relatively low, well, then the question arises as to how the system will cope and how it will deliver on vaccinations for the entire adult population."
