Joan Collins
Question:128. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if Ireland will send emergency oxygen and PPE to the health service in India as a matter of urgency in response to the crisis there. [22470/21]
View answerThursday, 29 April 2021
Questions (128)
Written answers
I along with my colleagues the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD, the HSE and a number of Departments and state agencies are working to provide assistance to India in response to the current severe COVID-19 outbreak there. An emergency donation of vital emergency material, comprising 700 oxygen concentrators, has been made by Ireland to India through the European Civil Protection Mechanism with further donations under discussion. The initial donation was made from stocks originally purchased by the HSE for use in a field hospital setting, as part of pandemic preparations. The plane carrying this donation departed on Wednesday.
Ireland’s contribution forms part of a coordinated EU response to provide rapid and tangible support and solidarity with India in response to a request from India. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) is coordinating Ireland’s aid effort, through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, working with the Department of Health, the HSE, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Irish Aid, the Department of Transport, Revenue and others.
We have all seen the rapidly deteriorating situation in relation to COVID-19 in India and I am pleased that Ireland was in a position to make this emergency donation. The oxygen concentrators that have been provided will support frontline healthcare workers in India to deliver care to patients who need it.