Covid-19 Vaccines 2021-03-03

2021-03-03

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about discussions regarding vaccine supplies for Northern Ireland, given the critical need to maintain public health during the pandemic.
What recent discussions have there been with Cabinet colleagues and the Northern Ireland Executive on the supply of covid-19 vaccines in Northern Ireland?
Since the start of the pandemic, the UK Government have worked closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure the safety of the people in Northern Ireland. Vaccines are our way out of the pandemic, and the Secretary of State and I continue to hold regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive on this important issue.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific details about discussions but received a general statement without concrete commitments or specifics.
General Statements
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The MP acknowledges the success of vaccine roll-outs in his own constituency but is concerned about ensuring similar progress for Northern Ireland, given its importance to the UK's exit strategy.
In Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale, the roll-out has been a huge success. Will the Minister reassure people of Northern Ireland that the target will be met there, ensuring we come out as one United Kingdom?
My hon. Friend is right about this being a United Kingdom effort, and I congratulate his local clinical commissioning groups on what they are doing. As of Monday 1 March, 558,000 vaccines have been administered to more than 29% of Northern Ireland's population, including 525,000 first doses.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for reassurance regarding meeting targets but received a general statement about the roll-out progress without explicit assurances or commitments.
General Statements Progress Report
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
The MP is concerned about the vaccine roll-out in remote and rural communities, noting that dedicated clinics might be necessary for these regions.
Will the Minister further outline what discussions have taken place with regard to the needs of rural isolated communities, which will need dedicated clinics because they find it difficult to make it to centralised locations?
We all welcome the news that the hon. Gentleman has waited his turn and got an appointment to receive a vaccine. He raises an important point. Although of course the delivery of the vaccine in Northern Ireland is primarily a matter for the Department of Health in Northern Ireland, we will continue to work closely with it to support the vaccine roll-out to all communities, including those in remote and rural areas.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific details about discussions but received general reassurances without concrete commitments or actions.
General Statements Reassurance
Response accuracy