Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his query in relation to the draft World Health Organisation Pandemic Agreement.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that the global status quo in terms of pandemic preparedness and response is not adequate and requires revision. As such, Ireland strongly supports a multilateral approach to global health issues with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a central leadership role.

On 1 December 2021, the members of the World Health Organisation reached consensus to begin the process to negotiate a convention, agreement, or other international instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, commonly known as the Pandemic Treaty. Ireland supports this WHO-led process to negotiate a binding legal instrument on pandemic preparedness and response. The aim of such a Pandemic Agreement is to protect public health and to help save lives in the event of future pandemics.

With respect to the Deputy’s query in relation to the concerns raised by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, I can advise that these comments have been reviewed and carefully noted.

Ireland has been participating fully in the negotiation process and is, along with a majority of EU Member States, a member of the Group of Friends of the Treaty. The Group of Friends of the Treaty strongly supports an inclusive and coherent agreement that would foster an all-of-government and all-of-society approach, strengthening national, regional, and global capacities and resilience to future pandemics.

Alongside fellow EU Member States, Ireland is advocating for an ambitious, fair, and implementable agreement to protect global public health through better pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response for all, including vulnerable populations.

Officials in my department are leading the coordination of Ireland’s position with respect to the WHO Pandemic Treaty, working closely with Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the UN in Geneva, and engaging with the relevant policy units in the Department of Health, other Government Departments, and EU partners on this matter. We value the input of relevant stakeholders, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, and we will continue to take their concerns into careful consideration as the negotiation process progresses.

In relation to the Deputy’s concerns regarding intellectual property rights, I can advise that Ireland notes the importance of ensuring balance between industry’s research and innovation costs, and maintaining a workable IP regime, whilst ensuring fair and equitable access to medicines and products for all during a public health crisis.

As the proposed instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response is currently being negotiated, it is not possible, at this time, to determine the precise legal ramifications of the instrument, or what form the instrument might take. These negotiations are due to conclude in May 2024. Once concluded, the draft Treaty will be presented to the Cabinet for agreement before adoption.