Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2004.To ask the Minister for Health his views on the procurement of pharmaceuticals from a supplier (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31028/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am appalled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the scale of civilian casualties. The Government continues to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for an increase in humanitarian access and for the protection of civilians.

Ireland’s response to the Gaza Crisis to date, includes the provision of in-kind assistance in addition to humanitarian funding, directed through a range of trusted partners (UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and International NGOs) who have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance and we are satisfied that it is reaching the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations.

We urge Israel to cease its operations in Gaza and to avoid further escalation. Israel must facilitate full, safe, and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza. Ireland applauds the frontline healthcare workers in Gaza. We support the work of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre. There should be no barriers to the evacuation of patients, especially children, in need of urgent medical care.

In relation to the procurement of medicines the Department of Health does not have a role in the procurement of any medicine under the EU Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU. The directive applies to the procurement of medicines using public funds. It outlines the rules for competitive tendering, transparency, and equal treatment of all suppliers. These guidelines must be followed when purchasing medicines for health systems in Europe.