Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is the Minister in a position to tell us exactly the capacity of the national isolation unit at the Mater hospital? It is used for a variety of infectious diseases. Has there been any upgrading or preparation for Ebola? It would be an obvious location for the drug I mentioned, ZMapp, if there is any supply in this jurisdiction.

On Ebola itself, what steps have been taken to ensure there is adequate training and preparation for an outbreak, even a single case, in our population? Are steps being taken across the first line of engagement for people presenting, be it through hospitals, doctors' practices or nurses? What steps have been taken to prepare and train personnel to respond properly to circumstances that are unprecedented in our living experience? Can the Minister advise us on what help and assistance we are offering, in terms of personnel or financial support, in the effort to address the problem at its point of origin in west Africa?

See this speech in context