Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, for being present. All Health Service Executive areas were instructed on Monday, 31 October, by the assistant national director of population health, Dr. Kevin Kelleher, to actively offer all poultry workers the 'flu vaccine as an urgent public health measure. The vaccine is to be available from GPs, who will be reimbursed by the HSE for supplying it free. HSE regions with high concentrations of poultry workers, such as in Cavan and Monaghan, have been instructed to consider establishing local clinics in high density poultry areas.

I raise this issue because I have learnt from people working in the poultry sector in my constituency that this scheme has not been rolled out. A request to a GP to avail of the vaccine was met with a response that it was not free of charge and would have to be paid for in full. I would like the Minister to clarify the situation on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children. How is the scheme being rolled out? This initiative has been taken primarily to prevent people being infected with the seasonal influenza virus and the avian 'flu virus at the same time. Such double infections can lead to mutations and could precipitate a 'flu pandemic affecting the human population on a wide scale.

Having been briefed by the Department of Health and Children on the dangers of an avian 'flu pandemic, I am certain that the recent and current widespread concern and media coverage was no false alarm. There is a real risk that the human population could yet be severely affected. The decision of the HSE to offer the vaccine free of charge to all poultry workers is therefore a welcome and essential public health measure. As I have stated, the comprehensive immunisation of those working in the poultry sector is essential to help prevent the development of a mutant virus that could then trigger a human 'flu pandemic. This can happen if someone attacked by the human form of the virus contracts the avian variety at the same time.

I have publicly urged all poultry workers to take up the vaccine as soon as possible. The HSE needs to ensure maximum publicity for this scheme and full accessibility. I want the Minister, on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, to assure the House that this scheme is going ahead. How is it being rolled out? Have the HSE areas acted on the instruction of the assistant national director of population health? Have they publicised the scheme and have all GPs been informed?

In my constituency, Cavan-Monaghan, where a significant section of the poultry industry in this State is located, I have seen no evidence of this measure being implemented so far. The experience I have described strongly suggests that the wheels have not yet been set in motion. The end of November is approaching, and clearly winter has already set in. Can the Minister clarify the matter and assure the House that this essential measure is being put into operation?

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