Government Ministers announce COVID-19 assistance for Lebanon

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD and the Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, with a number of government departments, the HSE and state agencies are working together to provide assistance to Lebanon in response to the worsening incidence of COVID-19 there.

A donation of 16,500 packs of Magellan safety needles and 16,400 B Braun Omnifix

Luer Solo syringes will leave Ireland for Lebanon today, Monday, 22 November. These items will assist the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Lebanon. They were donated by the HSE and the Government of Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs coordinated the dispatch of these items through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, working with the Department Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Health, the HSE, and others. This support from Ireland is part of the coordinated effort by EU Member States currently underway to provide a collaborative response following Lebanon’s request for assistance.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD said:

“I am pleased that Ireland is in a position to respond to Lebanon’s request for assistance. These items will support the rollout of Lebanon’s vaccination programme. We know that vaccination is one of our strongest weapons in fighting this pandemic. I am proud of Ireland’s efforts to show solidarity in the global effort against the pandemic.”

Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD said:

“I’m happy that Ireland can again make a meaningful contribution towards the global vaccination campaign and to do so in such a collaborative manner, both across our system here at home, and as a member of the EU. The pandemic has taught us the importance of working together, at home and abroad. Ireland has a strong and longstanding relationship with Lebanon, and we stand in solidarity with them as they face the COVID-19 crisis.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said:

“I’m pleased that my department is in a position to be involved in this request for aid. Ireland is stepping up as part of Team Europe demonstrating solidarity with Lebanon providing Humanitarian support through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. We must all play our role to stem the spread of this terrible virus.”

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said:

“The EU and its Member States are committed to support vaccination efforts around the globe. I want to thank Ireland for helping Lebanon in their time of need. We can beat the pandemic only by working together.”