Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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There is a genuine concern we will find ourselves back in another pandemic situation, where we were in 2020-2021, which is that the global south was prioritised for whatever reason. Perhaps "prioritised" is the wrong word but there is no disputing the facts and the evidence on the levels of vaccination. If that is repeated in respect of the level of treatment, we will see low- to middle-income countries fall even further behind. That is not a space any of us should be looking to get into.

I have a question for Mr. Clarken. There is a view we should not be having this discussion here and that it is not a matter for the Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I think it is, but sure what would I know about it. Our witnesses are the experts. Perhaps they might be able to enlighten us on this. It is up to the Chair and I again thank him for facilitating this debate. On where this issue now goes, where does the decision lie with Government? Who is the senior and chief decision-maker and to whom should we be speaking if we are persuaded that a change in rules, a temporary suspension or whatever might be a good idea?