Ms Isabel Simpson:

I thank the members of the committee for their time today. As they have heard from me and my colleagues, the communities that MSF assists are dealing with multiple and, at times, very complex challenges. I hope they have been motivated by the briefing. For us speaking out is the first step to try to effect change. In regard to Afghanistan, Médecins Sans Frontières reminds donors that humanitarian assistance is now more important than ever. Support to the population needs to be maintained regardless. Donors must find a way to ensure that continuous funding of essential humanitarian programmes in healthcare but also across other sectors is maintained, including support to food security. As we have discussed today what has made many situations more complex for us over the past two years, for communities and medical staff on the ground in all our project locations, is the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the inequalities that exist, communities with little or no access to vaccines, treatments and tests are now more vulnerable. While vaccine production is increasing, access inequity remains a concern when demands for booster vaccines continue to grow. To ensure sustainable supply globally and to break from the current unequal production and supply structure globally, it remains important that countries are supported to engage local production and supply.

Intellectual property barriers in Covid-19 go beyond vaccines and also include therapeutics, diagnostics and key materials and components needed for the productions. MSF Ireland asks this committee to continue its work on vaccine inequity and to write to the Government expressing its support of the recent Seanad motion supporting the TRIPS waiver. Additionally, MSF asks this committee to write to the Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment urging it to hold a public meeting on Ireland's position on the TRIPS waiver where it can call in expert witnesses in this field. Furthermore, in recognition of the people on the move and their right to seek asylum within the EU's borders we reiterate to the Department of Foreign Affairs the need to voice its concerns with EU counterparts regarding the push-backs, not to support the proposal but instead to protect vulnerable people. Put people first, and seek solutions that comply with international and EU obligations. I again thank the committee for giving us time today, it has been a pleasure to speak here.