Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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367. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of negotiations by Ireland to join the WHO C-TAP initiative; the number of meetings that have taken place between his Department and the WHO; the representatives from his Department who attended these meetings; the outcome of the meetings; if he will provide meeting records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44851/20]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has welcomed the Covid-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP). Consultations are ongoing across relevant Government Departments which look forward to receiving additional information on the Technology Access Pool with a view to considering practical engagement. The European Commission, on behalf of Member States, is engaging with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to obtain the additional information and clarifications required for industry to engage in the initiative. This is in addition to the regular meetings at official level with the WHO on Covid-19 and other health matters.

During this public health crisis, a well-functioning ecosystem for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights is an important incentive for the research and development of novel vaccines, medicines and treatments. Ireland will continue to engage with partners to find innovative ways to support these aims, part of our comprehensive global response to the global challenge.

In 2021, my Department, through Irish Aid is planning at least €50 million in support of Global Health, working with relevant multilateral agencies including the WHO, sustaining health systems (including maintaining capacity for vaccine campaigns), ensuring attention to other diseases, and funding the work of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Global Health Programme in Ethiopia, Mozambique and elsewhere. This includes an additional allocation of €5 million in support of COVAX (the global Covid-19 vaccine facility), which will ensure developing countries have access to vaccines, as well as supporting the WHO role in ensuring equity and fairness in the process.