A Kerry TD is seeking clarity on when vaccines to protect against COVID-19 will be rolled out to the housebound in Kerry.
Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae raised the issue in the Dáil recently.
Deputy Danny Healy asked Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly when the vaccines would be rolled out to the elderly and vulnerable who are housebound.
He stated he was aware of a man in his late 70s, living in the county, who had his leg amputated, this many had also suffered a stroke and has other health complications, and he has yet to receive the vaccine, according to Deputy Healy-Rae.
The Kerry TD also stated nurses and others who are coming on board to help administer the vaccines should be given clarity on how much they will be paid.
Deputy Danny Healy-Rae also raised the issue of the vaccine roll-out for teachers and Gardaí, stating the Minister made a promise to people working in these professions and questions if the Minister would ensure that promise is kept.
In response, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said administering the vaccine to the housebound is an absolute priority.
The Minister says he is aware of cases where many vulnerable people haven't left their homes in a year and says the National Ambulance Service is working very hard to get to all houses.
With regard to people being trained as vaccinators, the Minister told the Kerry TD to provide him with the details of those who are having difficulty getting information so he can act on it straight away, adding the hiring process appears to have been more burdensome initially.
