Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

After the discovery of the Omicron variant, one would have to wonder whether other countries are going to do the right thing and behave like South Africa. It has been turned into a pariah. In fairness, it did its job on behalf of all the rest of us. We do not even know whether the variant came from South Africa because there is community transition across Europe and the rest of the world.

What are we doing as regards genomic sequencing? The Minister said we have a rate of 10% but, according to figures we have seen, 344 cases have been sent to GISAID. What is the real volume of tests we are sequencing and sending on? Will the Taoiseach stand up for Europe, including this country, and ensure we give a TRIPS waiver? The European Commission's position on this is not tenable so the Taoiseach should stand up for us and this country and say that we do not agree with it, we will not stand over it and it will be waived.

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