Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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231. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the indemnity provided to pharmaceutical companies in respect of the Covid-19 vaccines; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26804/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In order to secure an adequate supply of safe and effective vaccines Ireland participated in an EU led procurement process, where the Commission negotiated a range of contractual agreements with various vaccine suppliers across a range of technologies on behalf of Member States. Ireland has, through its participation in this process, gained access to a broad range of vaccines that it might not otherwise have access to, and at the cost negotiated collectively by the EU.

As part of the exercise, Ireland has opted into Purchase Agreements with several pharmaceutical companies. The content of the Purchase Agreements, including with regard to liability / indemnity, are negotiated with vaccine suppliers by the European Commission and its negotiation team acting on behalf of Member States. Member States may decide to opt in / opt out, but do not have scope to recast the provisions of any such Purchase Agreements.

Government approval was obtained in relation to entering into the indemnity provisions of each Agreement. The State Claims Agency has agreed to take responsibility for any claims arising from these agreements. To date there has been no costs associated with any such claims.