Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

My question concerns the free flu vaccine which has already been offered to those in the poultry sector. This was an initiative launched by the Tánaiste before Christmas. What level of proactivity was employed by the Department in promoting its uptake by those who are involved in the poultry sector and their families, as well as by those numerous categories of people who were listed in response to a question I raised on the Adjournment in this regard? If I remember correctly, the question was taken by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue. Can the Tánaiste advise on the uptake by those involved in the poultry sector? Was a particular effort employed in those areas of the State in which poultry farming constitutes a significant part of the local agricultural practice? These are extremely important points because, as Members are aware, if avian flu presents, it is critically important to prevent it mixing with traditional flu, thus creating a new pandemic. This is a possibility and the risk is even greater than when I first asked these questions. Can the Tánaiste provide the House with an update in this respect?

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