Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a statement on the outcomes of the avian influenza and human pandemic influenza executive meeting at the World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva on 7-9 November 2005. [34165/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the outcome of the meeting held in Geneva last week to discuss the issues of avian influenza and human pandemic and, in particular, the identification of the components of a global action plan to control avian 'flu in animals and, at the same time, to limit the threat of a human 'flu pandemic. Last week's meeting brought together more than 600 delegates from more than 100 countries and it was very encouraging to see the commitment of those attending the meeting in acknowledging that there is an urgent need for financial and other resources for countries which have already been affected by avian influenza, as well as those which are most at risk.

I welcome the assessment of the assistant director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, Dr. Louise Fresco, that fighting the disease in animals is key to our success in limiting the threat of a human pandemic. My Department has been working at updating its contingency arrangements to minimise the likelihood of the virus being introduced into Ireland and ensuring that we have the necessary arrangements in place to quickly identify any outbreak and ensure its early and speedy eradication. The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive are, likewise, updating their contingency arrangements to deal with the public health aspects of any human 'flu pandemic. The two Departments have been and are continuing to work closely together in relation to those issues of mutual concern.

I am satisfied that the measures introduced over recent months and EU and national levels represent a proportionate and measured response to the current level of risk. My Department has been consistently re-evaluating the level of risk taking account of the most up-to-date veterinary and scientific advice and information available to us, whether from our own experts or from various international organisations, including the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Organisation for Animal Health, OIE.

My Department is maintaining a vigilant approach, while conscious of the limitations imposed by the role of wild birds in transmitting the disease, as acknowledged by Dr. Fresco at last week's meeting. Nonetheless, we won't hesitate to introduce such additional measures as we consider appropriate to minimising the risk of introduction of the virus or to improving our capacity to ensure early detection and the speedy eradication of any outbreak.