People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said,
“Health Minister Robin Swann’s proposal to tie access to the £100 pre-paid shopping vouchers to vaccination is wrong. We need as many people vaccinated as possible but further punishment by the Stormont Executive isn’t the way to do it.”
“Young people would be disproportionately impacted and punished by this. Throughout the pandemic young people have been demonised by the Stormont Executive to deflect from its own absolutely shambolic and hypocritical ‘do as we say not as we do’ policies.”
“Young people were told they were not at risk from the virus so they could work on the front lines in retail and many other services, often earning poverty wages. They’ve had an extremely difficult time throughout the pandemic when it comes to education, social life, sports access and mental health. They shouldn’t face further demonisation and punishment.”
“£100 vouchers don’t balance out the unequal way Westminster and Stormont have handed out money to the rich and politically connected while most people, students, taxi drivers, charities, community groups were forced to struggle.”
“All this said, it’s urgent we get as many people vaccinated as possible. The way to do that is through persuasion and education. Since so many people find anything from Westminster and the Stormont Executive difficult to believe we all have a roll to play in this. Protect yourself and others: get vaccinated.”