Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his presentation this morning. I wish to raise three issues. One relates to people returning home from countries that are affected. Is the Minister satisfied that proper protocols are in place for monitoring and dealing with those people when they return home? I refer in particular to perhaps three weeks before the symptoms are identified. What protocols are in place, and are we satisfied they are correct? How will the situation be monitored?
If an Irish person contracts Ebola abroad, what procedure will be followed? Will the person be treated in situor will he or she be returned home and we will assist in the provision of the necessary care and support?
Is the Department satisfied that the aid agency that has agreed to get involved in the provision of medical care in countries affected by the outbreak has the capacity to adequately train people? Has it the capacity to provide the necessary supports? This is something new for the aid agency concerned to be involved in. A considerable amount of State money is being provided to the agency. Are we satisfied that protocols are being followed correctly and appropriately and that the necessary training will be provided by the people the agency will assign to the projects?