A government taskforce has started work looking at how a potential Covid 19 vaccine might be rolled out.
It's been set up after Pfizer's announcement that its jab is more than 90 per cent effective.
That news on Monday sent stock markets soaring and gave most of us hope for some light at the end of the tunnel.
Health officials are keen to point out the trial results are only preliminary - and it still has to be approved for emergency use.
Taoiseach Michael Martin says a special taskforce has been set up to look at the issue.
"They will be tasked with coordinating and ensuring the national roll-out of the vaccine when one is safe and ready."
Logistics of Vaccine To Be Worked Out
Meanwhile, HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry says there are a number of issues to be worked out:
"There's licensing and the logistics of spreading a new vaccination programme among the population."
Dr Henry said the World Health Organisation aims for 60 to 80% uptake to ensure herd immunity.
He described it as a "considerable target."
Earlier today, the European Commission signed a contract with Pfizer for 200 million doses, and there's an option to buy another 100 million.
Ireland would get around 2 million doses of the original batch.
Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides says the jab will be distributed as soon as possible:
"There needs to be a scientific assessment in order of safety, but there'll be no delay."
The Commission says it'll be up to each EU country to decide who gets the vaccine first.
