Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 9 February 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence

Distribution of Covid-19 Vaccines to Developing Countries: Discussion

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I go back to the panel, I want to ask about the immediate way forward. In the past we have seen, for example, UN-convened and sponsored pledging conferences where money has been raised on the international stage. My understanding is that up to approximately $40 billion will be required to secure in excess of 2 billion vaccines.

Is there optimism, for example, or any signs coming from the US where the Biden Administration might wish to see the manifestation of its engagement on the multilateral stage? How soon does this need to happen? Are there signs that it is happening? If there is a pledging conference, how do we ensure that the pledges are ultimately implemented and given?

We may not get a further round. I would like to hear concluding remarks from Dr. Harkin, Dr. McMahon and Dr. Nabarro. Deputy Clarke has indicated. I will let her in with a very quick, specific and brief question.

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