Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would also like that question answered. It is specific. I have had the advantage over Deputy Paul Murphy of reading it. The Minister of State is not dealing with the question in the context of what is Ireland's position. The decision that was agreed in June falls far short of what was asked by countries, led by India and others, in October 2020. They asked for a lot more.

Here we are now. In the beginning, there might have been some excuse, although I do not think there was. We were reacting. Now there has been time for reflection. Is our voice being heard at EU level to say this has to be extended in a fair manner to diagnostics, tests and treatments? Is that happening? Where is our voice?

The Government continuously tells us that trade is an EU competency. We know that. We do not need the Minister of State to keep telling us that. This is a health matter. This is about human beings and about justice, equality and fairness. Where is our voice at EU level in that regard?

See this speech in context