Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for joining us. I welcome this crucial discussion on the motion tabled by Senators Higgins and Ruane. Senator Higgins and I had an opportunity to discuss the matter previously but not with as much time as was needed to discuss a topic of this importance.

I want immediate access for people around the world, particularly in low-income countries, to vaccines. I remember the complete and utter joy that I felt when I first heard last year about the vaccines being developed. I remember reading about the first generation Turkish couple in Germany who were working as researchers in BioNTech, which developed one of the vaccines. I remember thinking how amazing it was that we were seeing people who had emigrated to another country and who, within the space of one generation, were top-class researchers with amazing qualifications and working within one of Germany's top pharma companies, which began as a start-up. They stood on the shoulders of the many vaccine researchers and developers who came before them.

When the vaccines first came out, however, production was not equal across the pharmaceutical companies that were developing and delivering them. We saw that there were challenges in delivery and production within those facilities last year. I have looked into some of the research on this topic and I know that there are many challenges to immediate action, but people want to see immediate action because people across the world need these vaccines now. We need existing manufacturing facilities to ramp up. We have spoken about how there are other facilities that could be brought on stream in other countries but I remember how existing production facilities last year could not meet demand. At a practical level, what would happen with brand new production facilities? Our pharma companies have to step up.

This is where Ireland is in a wonderful position in the UN and the EU. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, has driven our position at a global level within the UN. We have a voice, and it is being used to ensure that there is vaccine access. If we do not have access, there will not be equity. We need it as soon as possible. This is something that I want to see the Government fighting for on behalf of all of us. Every person in this Chamber wants the same thing, that is, our loved ones to be safe, but that is not good enough when we see the mutations like Omicron coming at us. Our immunocompromised are now looking at a fourth dose, never mind a third one. These vaccines must be available immediately. In the World Trade Organization, Ireland is one of 164 members. The Minister of State might speak to us about how Ireland is driving change within these types of agreements because from what I understand, it is by consensus only. How do we drive that type of change? How do we get immediate access now by looking at compulsory licensing? How do we force our pharmaceutical companies to take a more proactive part and participate here? This conversation has brought many matters of concern. Although Ireland as a country be small, we have a strong voice and have positions in very influential bodies. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.