Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
652. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the amount of medical aid being supplied to India in tabular form; his plans to increase same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23201/21]
View answerIreland is committed to global solidarity in combatting the spread of Covid-19. In recent weeks Ireland has responded rapidly to mobilise assistance to India in response to the worsening COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
To-date Ireland has sent two consignments of life-saving equipment to India:
- An emergency donation of 700 oxygen concentrators sent on 28th April arrived in Delhi last week.
- A further donation of two oxygen generators, 365 ventilators, 60 mask ventilators and an additional 548 concentrators has arrived in India on 4th May.
Both donations were made using stocks originally purchased by the HSE as part of pandemic preparations.
This support is part of the coordinated effort by EU Member States currently underway to provide a collaborative response following India’s request for assistance. Ireland was one of the first countries in the EU to provide practical support in response to the request for assistance.
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, the Revenue Commissioners and others.
Ireland is committed to continuing to contribute to the global fight to combat Covid-19.
