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Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said that the criticism about how the government has been communicating is reasonable, has been heard loud and clear, and will be accepted.
He made the comment while addressing a meeting of Fine Gael MPs, senators and MEPs tonight where there had been significant discontent over how the coalition was articulating its message.
It is understood that there was some harsh criticism of both Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s speech yesterday, and the recent media performances by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
Mr. Varadkar also told the meeting that every effort should be made not to jeopardize the safe return of schools and the care of children, adding that he was hopeful for what the future will bring.
On the launch of the vaccine, Mr. Varadkar expressed his confidence that 100,000 vaccines will be administered a week in March, more than 250,000 a week in April and 300,000 will be on their way in May and June.
At the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting, concern was also raised about the coalition’s communications, but this time the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar was the subject of some criticism in today’s Morning Ireland interview.
Concern was also expressed that Mr. Donnelly was overworked.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin told his TDs, Senators and MEPs that he realized that the current situation was very challenging for people due to prolonged Level 5 restrictions that create stress and anxiety.
However, he said that the B117 variant of Covid-19, which was first identified in Britain, was driving the cautious approach of both the Government and NPHET.
The Taoiseach said its transmissibility was a significant factor leading to longer hospital stays and more serious illnesses, adding that close contacts at home had risen from one in five to one in three.
He said the vaccination program was having both a positive and dramatic impact on infections in hospitals.
The meeting also saw strong support for a motion, which passed, on the need for a public service obligation for An Post to support post offices across the country.
Some asked the government to find out if there were countries that might be prepared to advance the additional supply of vaccines to Ireland, especially since some manufacturers were not delivering on time.
The provision of additional vaccination centers, providing assistance to caregivers to get vaccinated earlier than currently planned, and supports for the hospitality sector were also discussed.
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