Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
210. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he has explored the potential to trade excess vaccines in Ireland which are approaching their expiration date with other states in need of vaccine supplies. [43477/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccines as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection. Ireland's COVID-19 vaccination programme will offer vaccination to all Irish residents for whom it is deemed safe, based on clinical expert guidance, and who wish to receive it.
Ireland fully supports efforts by the international community, including as an EU Member State, to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all.
On September 30th, Ireland completed the direct donation of over 335,000 vaccines to Uganda. All of the necessary consumables to support the administration of these vaccines were also donated.
Ireland will utilise the sharing mechanisms available through the EU procurement structure. COVAX will be central to this sharing mechanism.
Currently, Ireland is working to finalise the legal documentation necessary to conclude a further donation of over one million COVID-19 vaccines via the COVAX facility. It is hoped that this process will conclude in the coming weeks.
