David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1167. To ask the Minister for Health the preparations the immunisation policy unit is making for a potential Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21482/20]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1384. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking independently or in collaboration with other countries to develop a vaccine to combat the Covid-19 virus; if a vaccine will be administered to all persons when available without cost and through the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22505/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1167 and 1384 together.

Neither the Minister for Health nor the Department of Health has any role in the development of vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.

Ireland is currently involved in a Joint Procurement Exercise (JPE) being operated by the European Commission to procure suitable, safe and effective vaccines to combat COVID-19.

Following a Government Decision on 21 August 2020, Ireland has opted into an EU Advanced Purchase Agreement (APA) with the British–Swedish drug maker AstraZeneca, which is partnering with Oxford University.

The EU is also in advanced negotiations with a number of other major pharmaceutical companies. As and when any of the vaccines being developed become viable, Member States would be able to directly purchase that vaccine from the manufacturer on the basis and the conditions laid down in the APA without the need to carry out an additional national procurement procedure. Allocation of access to vaccine doses between Member States will be according to the population distribution key. The actual purchase and use of the vaccine product will remain under the responsibility of the individual Member States.

Ireland has also indicated an Expression of Interest in the World Health Organisation (WHO) linked COVAX initiative which seeks to provide global access to COVID-19 vaccines. Ireland will negotiate its participation and contribution to COVAX as part of a Team Europe effort following the EU joint engagement (Commission, Member States and European financial institutions, notably EIB) to mobilise resources in a coherent and efficient way in the context of the EU Global Response to coronavirus.

In addition, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommended that a COVID-19 Immunisation Strategy Group, chaired by the Department of Health, and informed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), be convened. The inaugural meeting of the Group took place on the 26 August 2020. The purpose of the Group is to advise on and assist in the development of national policy relating to COVID-19 vaccines. The administration of the vaccine will be considered in this context.