Mr. Karl Gardner:

I say "Merci" to committee members for their kind words about our staff in Sierra Leone who are playing a central role in our planning process and will appreciate that the committee has recognised this fact. Like all our staff abroad, we take their health and safety very seriously. We have ensured they are very clear that they must evaluate whatever activities they engage in in order that they do not contribute to the problem or make things worse. There are plans in place should somebody turn up at the mission who might be showing signs of ebola infection. In conjunction with the HSE, we have sent personal protective equipment which Dr. Fitzpatrick has showed the staff how to use. As soap is in very short supply in Sierra Leone, we have sent hand sanitisers, which are a key weapon in the fight against infection. Anyone arriving at the embassy is asked to sanitise his or her hands and make sure he or she follows basic hygiene protocols. Understandably, in the early days staff at the embassy had a number of questions which the HSE was able to answer. It provided the information required. The staff have passed on the information to Irish citizens in the region. It is all about education and sharing information, not just with the local population but also with anyone who comes in contact with the mission. We are in ongoing contact with our staff and very aware that they are working in a very difficult environment. They are under a lot of stress, but they are playing their part, particularly in Sierra Leone where the ambassador and her team are central to the efforts of the wider international community on the ground.