Enterprise Committee to discuss the waiver of intellectual property protection in relation to Covid-19 vaccines

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House between 09:30-12:30.

The following representatives are due to attend: 

• CEO of Oxfam Ireland – Jim Clarken

• Professor of Law at Maynooth University – Professor Aisling McMahon

• Access Campaign EU Policy Advisor, Médecins Sans Frontières - Dimitri Eynikel

• Consultant in Infectious Diseases at St Vincent's University Hospital Dublin - Dr Christine Kelly

• CEO of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association – Oliver O’Connor 

• Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland – Matt Moran

• Senior Executive at BioPharmaChem Ireland - Nessa Fennelly

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Maurice Quinlivan said: “We welcome the opportunity to discuss the TRIPS waiver as it relates to the Covid-19 vaccine and the pandemic. Ireland’s rollout and uptake of the vaccine was highly successful however there are huge levels of vaccine inequity in low income countries across the world.’’ 

“More than two years on since the Covid-19 pandemic started, we must address these inequalities and prepare for future pandemics.”

“Universal and equitable access to vaccines is crucial in the global fight against Covid-19 and a TRIPS waiver is an important part of an effective global public health response.” 

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.