The Taoiseach has admitted the Government is 'obviously disappointed' with some of the issues with the covid vaccine rollout so far.
Ireland is reportedly set to receive less than half the deliveries it originally expected in the first three months of the year.
Almost 150,000 people have been fully vaccinated in the country to date, and there have been ongoing issues with delays and supplies.
Micheál Martin admits there have been setbacks.
"Well obviously we're disappointed with quarter one, in terms of some of the issues - but in terms of protecting the most vulnerable, we've made progress on that.
"And the impact of the vaccines is very positive, and we've seen that in terms of frontline healthcare workers, hospitals and nursing homes in particular.
"And now out in the community in the over-80s, so that's good news - we have very good vaccines that are giving protection to people as well".
On suggestions Ireland could buy surplus vaccines from the UK, he said: "The British Prime Minister has made it clear to me that obviously his first priority is to vaccinate his people.
"He obviously will be very helpful to Ireland if the situation arose, but right now he has to concentrate on vaccinating his own people.
"And until then, he won't be in a position to give vaccines to anybody - and he's made that point to me, which I think was fairly obvious at the outset in any event".
