Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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18. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department will carry out an information campaign regarding the ongoing widespread misinformation in relation to a World Health Organisation Pandemic Treaty given the vital role of the WHO in public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26882/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for this question. I agree with him that the World Health Organisation plays a vital role in public health and that we need to address any confusion here.

Let me be clear, what is being looked at is an international agreement or instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The aim of such an instrument is to protect public health and to help save lives in the event of future pandemics.

We need a multilateral approach to global health issues with the WHO at its core. COVID-19 has highlighted shortcomings in global pandemic preparedness and response.

There have been baseless claims that Ireland is somehow signing away its sovereignty and passing over powers, and this is simply not the case. We know from COVID-19 that clear communications is central to addressing false and misleading claims.

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body established for these negotiations met for the first time on 24th February; we are still at the start of this process. A progress report is due at the World Health Assembly in May 2023, with the aim of adopting the instrument by 2024.

In line with the Constitution, Government approval must be sought for the signature, ratification or approval of any international agreement.