Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the question of the evolution of relevant information for the public regarding the swine flu scare, a meeting of the interdepartmental committee on public health and emergency planning, which is chaired by the Department of Health and Children, has been taking place today with the office of emergency planning in attendance. The intention is to ensure that those qualified in this area provide the public information. The director of public health in the Department, Dr. Holohan, has proven himself to be adept and able in this area. It is important that people see medical experts being able to articulate whatever developments arise.

It is a matter for the House at any time to have the Minister come before it when a significant development takes place. Having listened this morning to the Deputy, I point out that issues will arise which do not raise serious public concern but are a reaction that takes place when people show some symptom or whatever. In that case, tests would take place. It is intended that relevant information is available and is updated and the media and House are kept informed in a way that does not defeat the purpose, namely, to ensure people do not take a disproportionate view of the matter. Clearly there is no room for complacency in matters such as this. One has to take it day by day and week by week to see how it develops. As I stated, national responses are in place and people will be kept updated accordingly.

On the Deputy's question on legislation, we have made a contingency, on the basis of a successful referendum outcome, to seek to ensure that the Bill to which the Deputy refers will be prepared thereafter in a way that is consistent with whatever conclusions arise. It would be a matter of priority for the Government to try to provide for the Bill's preparation in the aftermath of the June Council meeting.

On the correspondence to which the Deputy referred, on the basis that the Government has not made a formal decision to hold a referendum, I have indicated my willingness to answer questions on these matters. It was pointed out in the correspondence that once decisions are taken, they are often passed on to the line Ministers concerned. If, for example, we made a decision to have a constitutional amendment on children's rights, the matter would move on to the Minister concerned in respect of updating what is the exact situation at that point. As I say, I am prepared to answer in whatever capacity I can and to provide whatever information I can.

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