Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 November 2020
170. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the steps taken by his Department to ensure the necessary logistical supports are being put in place to ensure a potential Covid-19 vaccine will be distributed appropriately; the steps taken to further ensure the necessary supply of C02 and dry ice that may be required to both store and transport a potential Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37217/20]
View answerIreland is currently involved in an EU Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of member states to procure a portfolio of suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19.
I can assure the Deputy of the Government's commitment to the timely implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme, as soon as one or more vaccines in the portfolio are approved for use.
In this regard, a cross-Government High-Level Taskforce has been established to support and oversee the development and implementation of the programme. Logistics arrangements are amongst the range of matters which will be addressed in the context of the work of the Task Force and the State agencies and other stakeholders with which it will work.
