Europe should make preparations in case of “another pandemic”; should share some legal powers with Brussels in the area of public health; and provide “research funding to our domestic pharma industry”, according to Fianna Fáil’s election platform.
The plans were outlined under a number of health-relared headings, such as “Ensure Pandemic Preparedness”, in the party’s newly-released European election manifesto that was launched today.
“Fianna Fáil supports increased cooperation on cross-border health threats,” the party said under the health section.
“This will assist Member States in their preparedness in the case of another pandemic.”
The party said that this cooperation should include “joint procurement of medical products, particularly medicines in short supply.”
“COVID-19 laid bare the need for Member States to stress test the resilience of their health systems,” the manifesto continued.
“Tests should be carried out under criteria set at EU level to ensure the highest standards. A digital platform should be established to facilitate exchanges on epidemiological data and best practice between the Member States.”
The party also called to “build a Public Health Union”, which would involve sharing some “competences” – i.e. legal powers – with Brussels in the area of public health.
“Working collaboratively on public health measures can improve health outcomes,” the party said.
“Fianna Fáil supports a limited sharing of competences with the EU in the area of public health, as it will support the development of innovative treatments.”
Under the heading of encouraging “European innovation”, the party said that “the pharmaceutical industry is a major contributor to the European economy”, emphasising how important it is to “provide research funding to our domestic pharma industry.”
“This will make it easier to produce generic medicines at cheaper prices for our citizens,” they added.
In addition to these plans, the manifesto says it seeks to “strengthen” bodies like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with “increased resources…to ensure that they can efficiently carry out their vital work.”
The party also outlined plans to address what they called a “worrying” trend of disinformation around vaccines, pledging to “promote health education”.
“Every year, vaccination prevents 2.5 million deaths worldwide,” the party said.
“Large-scale vaccination campaigns brought about the eradication of many infectious diseases and significant decline in many others. The worrying phenomenon of disinformation on vaccination must be addressed.”
They added: “Fianna Fáil will use science.”