Government decision to delay July reopening did not factor in new Covid vaccine advice

This discrepancy has drawn further criticism on the Government's decision to delay indoor dining, which was due to start on July 5. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Taoiseach Micheál Martin wrongly told cabinet ministers that the modelling that prompted a delay on reopening indoor dining factored in the new advice on AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines.

The major contradiction emerged yesterday when chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan told opposition TDs that Monday's clearance from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) to give the AstraZ#eneca and Janssen vaccines to under 40s was not included in the modelling from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).