Free flu vaccines for politicians in Leinster House branded 'sickening'

Politicians being offered free flu jabs in Leinster House is a “slap in the face” to people in the wake of several spending scandals, a TD has said.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín told the Irish Mirror that he will not accept a free flu vaccination and encouraged others to do the same.

An email from HR in the Houses of the Oireachtas Service was sent to all politicians and staff members on Wednesday advising them they could either avail of free vaccines on the Leinster House complex or go to one of two pharmacy chains for a jab.

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The email contained a “corporate code” to cover the cost of the vaccine in the pharmacy. Both chains are charging €37 to private patients seeking the flu vaccine, according to their website.

“The flu vaccination programme for 2024 will be available on 19, 20 and 27 November to all Oireachtas Members, Secretarial Assistance Scheme staff and the Oireachtas Service, staff can receive the flu vaccine free of charge,” the email said.

“You can avail of the flu or Covid vaccine or the ‘flu and Covid combination’ where you can receive both vaccines. Covid vaccinations are free of charge to those eligible for the next Winter booster.”

The email then contained details of when the vaccine clinic would be in Leinster House. If further advised those making personal appointments in pharmacies to “please ignore the price listed in the information section of the form as the charge does not apply to this programme”.

“When you arrive in the store for the appointment, inform the staff member in the pharmacy that you are from a corporate company and quote [the] corporate code,” it added.

Deputy Tóibín told the Irish Mirror that it was “sickening” that politicians were being offered free vaccines when other vulnerable groups were not.

"It is absolutely phenomenal and sickening that TDs and Senators are being offered free flu vaccines in the coming days but homeless people and those living in poverty aren't,” the Aontú leader said.

“I'd like to know who is accountable for this issue. Who decides that TDs and Senators warrant free healthcare ahead of poorer and more vulnerable people who are excluded from the free vaccine qualification criteria?

“There shouldn't be any perks for TDs and Senators which are not afforded to the general population.

“In the context of the €1.4 million security hut and €336,000 bicycle shed, this is yet another slap in the face of people struggling to afford health care or childcare or to pay their bills across the country.

“The political establishment is looking after itself. I will not be accepting the free vaccine, and I would urge other politicians to do the same".

The Irish Mirror contacted the House of the Oireachtas to inquire how many staff members and politicians would be entitled to free vaccines.

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