Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I look forward to engaging with him. One thing that must be considered is that the State is the largest purchaser in the country. We have to get far more radical about how we procure services and products in this country. I point out to the Minister that there is a list of necessary pharmaceuticals, with about 175 in total. Some 135 are made only in China and India. We need to consider these things, as other countries do, with regard to securing future supply lines and safety in case of future pandemics and future health risks. We can hopefully engage and look at that in greater deal in another forum.

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