"Free Vaccines for Ministers and TDs is a Slap in the Face to those Suffering from the Cost-of-living Crisis"

"Free Vaccines for Ministers and TDs is a Slap in the Face to those Suffering from the Cost-of-living Crisis" - Tóibín

The Taoiseach, government Ministers, TDs, Senators and political staff in Leinster House have been offered free flu vaccines, it has emerged. The scheme has been heavily criticised by the leader of Aontú - Peadar Tóibín TD.

Speaking today, Deputy Tóibín said: "I was shocked last week when I received an email offering me a free flu vaccine. The mind actually boggles. It is ludicrous that the Taoiseach, Ministers, TDs, and Senators are being offered free flu vaccines in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Surely, Ministers, TDs and Senators can afford to pay for their own vaccines?"

Deputy Tóibín continued: "Aontú is calling for a halt to this practice as we believe the money would be better spent on the vulnerable currently struggling in every community up and down the country. When I received the email notifying me of the fact that there are free vaccines for TDs I was really taken aback. I've never availed of the scheme before, nor did I know it existed. People up and down the country are struggling to pay for medicine. Why should TDs get vaccines for free?"

"I would urge Oireachtas colleagues who wish to receive a flu vaccine to pay for it themselves, like everyone else in their pay bracket. Successive governments have proven themselves very capable of spending other people's money. This government in particular are constantly talking about 'targeted measures' to help with the cost of living. It shows where their priorities are when we see that they're offering refunds and freebies specifically targeted to Ministers, TDs and Senators", concluded Deputy Tóibín.

ENDS

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.