Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 14 and 39 together.

The Government task force on emergency planning has worked since it was set up in 2001 to co-ordinate emergency planning and response arrangements across the Departments that would lead and support the State's response in an emergency. The task force continues to meet regularly, most recently on Wednesday, 8 February, which was two weeks ago today. The membership of the task force includes Ministers, senior departmental officials, senior officers of the Defence Forces and Garda Síochána and officials of other key public authorities who have a lead or support role in Government emergency planning.

The Department of Agriculture and Food is represented on the task force, which it has briefed on avian flu developments most recently on 8 February. This issue is now a standing item on the task force's agenda and the situation will continue to be monitored and reviewed at future meetings. My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, who is responsible for dealing with the threat posed by an outbreak of avian flu, has introduced a range of measures aimed at minimising the risk of the virus being introduced to Ireland. Both she and her Department are keeping their contingency arrangements under constant review and refining them as necessary. Her Department's approach is informed by the most up-to-date scientific and veterinary advice available. Only last week the Minister appointed an expert advisory group to advise her as to the adequacy of the control measures in place.

The task force meeting on 8 February was also briefed by a representative of the Department of Health and Children on the plans being put in place to deal with any possible influenza pandemic. My colleague with lead responsibility in this area, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, is addressing the various issues that may arise. A detailed plan for response to an influenza pandemic was prepared in 2004. This plan is being updated to reflect the most up-to-date advice of the influenza pandemic expert group and the World Health Organisation. An interdepartmental standing committee chaired by the Department of Health and Children will meet on 27 February to consider the many cross-cutting issues that may arise.

The Government task force on emergency planning will continue to be briefed and updated on these matters and on related emergency planning issues on a regular and ongoing basis.

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