Micheal Martin today promised that Ireland will be able to roll out a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it gets the green light from the EU.
The Taoiseach's vow comes as the world races to dole out the coronavirus jab as soon as possible – amid a dizzying flurry of facts, figures and key dates.
It can be hard to keep track of where Ireland is on its journey to a vaccine.
We know, for instance, that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine can be distributed – starting with vulnerable groups – once the relevant regulatory body, the European Medicines Authority (EMA), gives its say-so.
But there are lots of permutations and several unknowns as the world moves into unchartered territory.
Confused? You're not the only one.
Look no further, though – we've compiled a handy lists of all the dates you need to know about when it comes to the medication that could halt coronavirus.
Key dates
December 2 – freezer trucks arrive
Last Wednesday was the day we finally got a glimpse of what our future could look like, as nine ultra-low-temperature vaccine freezer trucks made their way onto the island.
They'll keep the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at minus 70 degrees – its optimum temperature.
December 11 – vaccine plan completion
The Taoiseach has promised that the country's national vaccination strategy – as well as a detailed implementation plan – will be ready by this Friday, December 11.
A key feature of the plan is a commitment from the Government is that the plan will be free, after Mr Martin told a private Fianna Fail party meeting that there will be "no cost for the vaccines."
December 29 (at the latest) – EMA to make vaccine decision
The body in charge of certifying a Covid-19 vaccine as safe for a European rollout has promised to decide by December 29 whether it's happy to grant emergency approval for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
But many – including leading Irish immunologist Professor Luke O'Neill – expect that this date will be brought forward.
And if the Taoiseach is to be believed, Ireland will be ready to administer the vaccine as soon as all the relevant boxes are ticked.
Early/mid-January – The period when we think vaccine distribution will start
Given the uncertainty around the precise date of the EMA's decision, we're not sure just yet when the vaccine will actually begin its tour of Ireland.
But it seems likely that by mid-January at the latest, Ireland will be giving out vaccines to priority groups – specifically elderly and high-risk groups, healthcare and frontline workers, and those working in meat plants.
For the rest of us, it seems the wait is likely to go on for a little longer.
