Plan to produce Covid vaccine in Ireland revealed by Mayo senator

A Mayo senator has revealed he is aware of a proposal before government in respect of the production of Covid vaccines in Ireland.

Senator Paddy Burke stated: "This would create jobs and would come at no cost to the taxpayer.

"Some very high-powered people, at the very highest level in the world, are involved.

"I hope Department of Health will pursue this as it would allow vaccines to be produced in this country for next year and would give us the safeguard of having our own vaccines here.

"There are many large pharmaceutical companies in the country.

"I have no doubt that there will be a need for booster vaccines in the coming years.

"An audit should be carried out in respect of the production of vaccines in this country.

"This would aim to determine how to bring about a situation in which we could produce our own vaccines," the Castlebar-based representative added.