Garda representatives are meeting with NIAC to outline their concerns about the changes to the coronavirus vaccine rollout plan.

Earlier this week, the Government confirmed that plan will soon see people vaccinated solely based on their age.

The new system will come into force after the over-65s, medically vulnerable and those with underlying conditions have been vaccinated.

Following the announcement, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said members, who had hoped to prioritised for vaccination felt “abandoned, taken for granted and led up the garden path” by the Government.

A Garda checkpoint in Dublin city centre today, 24-02-2021. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews

This afternoon, the association said it was meeting with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to discuss the changes.

It said it has delivered a letter to the Taoiseach highlighting its concern over the decision to “disregard the risk to gardai in policing the pandemic.”

It said it will ask the vaccine expert group to recommend a reversal of the decision.

Speaking to Cork’s 96FM this afternoon, the Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she understands the Garda frustration.

“We are making huge strides,” she said.

“I understand there is maybe frustration this week with the change in direction but we have to be guided by the advice.

“We have to be guided by what is the best, the most efficient and the most effective way of rolling out this vaccination programme.”

The updated vaccine rollout strategy. Image: Department of Health

Gardaí are not the only group to have voiced anger at the updated rollout.

On Newstalk Breakfast this week, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), said the changes were 'extraordinarily disrespectful' to its members.