Genomic sequencing and TRIPS
Deputy Kelly asks about Ireland’s genomic sequencing response to Omicron and, briefly, the possibility of a TRIPS waiver. The Taoiseach praises South Africa’s transparency, says Omicron is likely present here, and is sceptical that TRIPS is a neat solution.
After the discovery of the Omicron variant, one would have to wonder whether other countries are going to do the right thing and behave like South Africa. It has been turned into a pariah. In fairness, it did its job on behalf of all the rest of us. We do not even know whether the variant came from South Africa because there is community transition across Europe and the rest of the world.
What are we doing as regards genomic sequencing? The Minister said we have a rate of 10% but, according to figures we have seen, 344 cases have been sent to GISAID. What is the real volume of tests we are sequencing and sending on? Will the Taoiseach stand up for Europe, including this country, and ensure we give a TRIPS waiver? The European Commission's position on this is not tenable so the Taoiseach should stand up for us and this country and say that we do not agree with it, we will not stand over it and it will be waived.
Comment on this
I agree with the Deputy on South Africa. We must pay tribute to the South African authorities for the honesty, transparency and speed with which they have responded to Omicron.
They should not be punished. We have to develop mechanisms to support countries that identify very quickly and in a transparent way such variants. The Omicron variant is likely to be in this country. There are now a number of cases on which work will have to be done to identify and to confirm whether or not they are Omicron. They could have been right throughout November or indeed in October and there is a look back going on now in terms of people who have travelled in from various locations. There are cases emerging all over Europe, at very low levels it must be said. Delta is the predominant variant here. On the last occasion, with Alpha and so on, we enhanced genomic sequencing capacity here. I will get the details for the Deputy.
The European Union has been the best continent so far in exporting vaccines to over 150 countries.
Comment on this
We should be more positive in proposing it.