Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Defence if there have been further meetings of the inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning to prepare for the anticipated arrival of avian flu here; the outcome of such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17219/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The most recent meetings of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning were specifically convened to provide the various Government Department representatives with updated briefings from the Department of Agriculture and Food with regard to avian flu and from the Department of Health and Children with regard to a possible human influenza pandemic. The Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning is due to meet again on the 18th May.

The Department of Agriculture and Food is represented on both the Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning and has been providing regular briefings on avian flu developments at these meetings over the past number of months and will provide a further briefing at the meeting on the 18th May. The situation with regard to avian flu will continue to be monitored and reviewed by that Department in close co-operation with the Department of Health and Children.

My colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children who has lead responsibility in this area, is addressing the various issues that may arise in relation to a flu pandemic. Avian flu or H5N1 is primarily a disease of birds. To date, there have been a very small number of human cases of H5N1 infection documented, in situations where there has been very close contact with infected birds. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. The representative from her Department will also provide an up to date briefing at the meeting of the Inter-departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning on the 18th May.

A detailed plan for a response to an influenza pandemic was prepared in 2004. This plan is currently being refined to reflect the most up-to-date advice of the Influenza Pandemic Expert Group and the World Health Organisation.

An Inter-Departmental Standing Committee chaired by the Department of Health and Children has also been meeting, most recently on 24th April. This Committee will support the Department of Health and Children in planning for and responding to any possible flu pandemic. Both the Task Force and the Inter-Departmental Working Group will continue to be briefed and updated on these matters and related emergency planning issues on a regular and ongoing basis.