Neale Richmond
Question:573. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if a plan has been formalised for the sharing of Ireland’s excess Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25671/21]
View answerTuesday, 22 June 2021
Questions (573)
Written answers
Ireland is participating in a Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of Member States to procure suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19.
Four vaccines have been authorised by the EU, and a number of vaccine candidates are still to be fully assessed. Ireland fully supports efforts by the international community, including as an EU Member State, to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all. To contribute towards this objective, Ireland will utilise the sharing mechanisms available through the EU procurement structure. It is expected that COVAX will be central to this sharing mechanism. With the continuing progress of the domestic vaccination program, greater clarity on the available quantities of vaccines doses and the initial timing that these can be shared with COVAX, is becoming apparent. The Department is in current liaison with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and COVAX to ensure that Ireland’s participation, in concert with other Member States, happens in a timely and proportionate manner.