Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I am satisfied with progress on preparations for a possible flu pandemic and with public health actions in response to a possible outbreak of avian flu in Ireland. The health sector's role in regard to avian flu relates to the human health implications that would arise were there to be an outbreak of avian flu. Guidance on the investigation and management of suspected human cases has therefore been developed and circulated within the health system.

My Department and the Health Service Executive are working closely on pandemic planning. The influenza pandemic expert group is updating the expert guidance and the pandemic influenza operational response plan is being updated in line with the expert advice. In addition, my Department has established a standing interdepartmental committee to consider issues which go beyond the health aspects of a flu pandemic.

Arrangements have been made to procure a stockpile of H5N1 vaccine for key health care workers and other essential workers and we are stockpiling 1 million treatment packs of the antiviral drug, Tamiflu. Arrangements have also been made to purchase a supply of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to treat children aged one to five years of age and further arrangements are being finalised for the stockpiling of additional supplies of the other suitable antiviral drug, Relenza.

I do not understand the Deputy's reference to this House not being informed with regard to the purchase of H5N1 vaccine. On 31 January last, in reply to a parliamentary question, I stated that arrangements to procure a stockpile of H5N1 vaccine for key health care workers and other essential workers were in train. Officials from my Department and the HSE informed the Joint Committee on Health and Children on 16 February of our plans in this regard and the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food was briefed on 25 January. The announcement with regard to the purchase was made last Friday at the earliest possible opportunity.

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