The state is expected to get 1.1 million doses of COVID vaccine by the end of March.
This is down from an expected 1.4 million which could mean a delay in the government's plans to have 700,000 people vaccinated in the first quarter of this year.
However officials involved in the roll-out say that number could change pending talks with AstraZeneca and Moderna.
Head of the Vaccine Taskforce Professor Brian MacCraith says there isn't much certainty on amounts after quarter 1 this year:
"There's due to be a second delivery in March from Moderna, which they have not - and will not, clarify until the outcome of the negotiations."
"But the current confirmed total, up to the end of March, is 1.1 million doses now."
"But that may change today, it may change tomorrow."
Prof Brian MacCraith saying there's no certainty about the level of supply of the vaccine after Q1 but stresses "we'll work right to the edges of what's available" and there are very few sitting in fridges anywhere
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) January 29, 2021
Reid Admits 'We're On A Rocky Road'
The European Medicines Agency may leave it up to individual member states to decide whether or not to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine to over 65s.
The vaccine is expected to be formally approved for use in the EU this afternoon.
However it's unclear if it will include an age restriction after Germany's vaccine committee recommended that it not be given to people over the age of 65.
The row between the EU and AstraZenca over supply of the vaccine has yet to be resolved.
HSE CEO Paul Reid admits there's currently a degree of uncertainty surrounding the roll out programme.
"We are on a rocky road, off to a rocky start."
"But this will get stronger and a bit clearer, as more vaccines emerge, as we have a greater resilience."
"But I think from the public's perspective, we have to be frank."
"We're living with a good bit of uncertainty for now."
Great addition to the dashboard last night.
13,800 people received their two doses as of Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/T95C7HD3U6— Ben Finnegan (@_BenFinnegan) January 29, 2021
HSE Will Follow EMA Advice
Despite the concerns in Germany, the AstraZeneca vaccine is being given to over 65s in the UK.
Paul Reid says Ireland will follow the EMAs advice:
"There's two conflicting views on that nearly."
"But we would be working though the European Medicines Agency, that it the common agency."
