What we must do next to avoid a repeat
Dear Sir,
Staying apart isn’t easy, but it is essential.
My work as an MEP continues but in a very different remote way.
The immediate focus in all member states is to make sure that our health care systems are not overwhelmed by a surge in COVID19 cases.
Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones due to the virus. We know that the coming days are particularly important and require us to redouble our efforts to stay at home and save lives.
The European Parliament has been promoting a coordinated effort which is now happening when it comes to access to vital PPE(Personal Protective Equipment), ventilators and other necessary medical equipment.
Ireland’s large medical devices sector is working around the clock to provide the supplies necessary to treat patients.
And we know our health care system - from cleaners, ambulance personnel, nurses and doctors are working flat out to treat patients.
There will be time when this crisis ends to reflect on how the EU responded and our level of preparedness for a pandemic.
But we already know that to avoid a repeat we will need greater coordination at EU level of public health issues.
Ironically, the EU has greater powers when it comes to animal health than human health. That needs to change.
We are reassessing our dependence on others to provide ingredients for our pharmaceutical industries.
We have learned the hard way that out health is our wealth.
But we also know that businesses will need to be helped to recover from this crisis.
Mairead McGuinness MEP and First Vice-President of the
European Parliament