John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If there was ever a time that called upon the nations of the world to look towards their common humanity, rather than individual need, this is it. Unfortunately, it seems factors ranging from inexperience to the pursuit of domestic electoral gain mean the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine is being seriously hampered. The problems at international level must be dealt with as quickly as possible. We must be careful that Ireland does not become collateral damage, yet again, between the EU and the British Government.

I felt compelled in the past week to call for the Taoiseach to assume direct responsibility for the roll-out of the vaccine in Ireland. It has been evident for some time that the Minister for Health is not up to the job and as the individual responsible for his appointment, it falls on the Taoiseach to step up and sort this out. I do not want to reiterate failures in the roll-out of the vaccine programme in this State; they are clearly evident to all.

If the roll-out of the vaccine programme does not take place with simultaneous application around the world, we run the risk of the development of variants in countries that cannot afford the vaccine. These are variants with the potential to develop immunity to the vaccines in which we have invested so much hope. The EU cannot lose sight of the long-term implications of neglecting a universal roll-out of a vaccine programme. The most effective way to do this is to ensure that the countries in need are given the means to develop the vaccine themselves at a cost they can afford.

The EU must show humane leadership in its approach to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Greece. I call on the Taoiseach, in respect of this meeting, to give a commitment to meet with the Irish medical staff on the ground on Lesbos, listen to what they have to say and take that message to the heart of the EU.

A final area I want to touch on is the situation in Myanmar. Although we are aware that the EU has initiated action this week against named individuals regarding the ongoing oppression of democratic protest against the coup which took place in the country, citizens of Myanmar are being murdered in the streets by their own military forces. Several Irish citizens are also offering humanitarian aid in the country, despite the considerable risk that poses. I stress again that Ireland, as a member of the UN Security Council and a prominent member of the EU, must show leadership on this issue. The reality is people are being shot down on the streets in Myanmar and Irish citizens delivering aid are afraid to speak out and address the issue. Ireland cannot remain silent on this issue. I urge the Taoiseach in his meeting to have this serious issue raised.

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