Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions that have been taken in his Department and in the State agencies under its aegis to prepare for an influenza epidemic, as set down in the business continuity report. [15608/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the report "Business Continuity Planning – Responding to an Influenza Pandemic" which I launched at the end of February. I am very supportive of the work being undertaken at central level in the area of emergency planning. One of the key risks being considered at this level is that of an influenza pandemic. An influenza pandemic would have a very significant impact on economic activity and could pose a major threat to business continuity. My Department, in conjunction with Forfas, undertook a study to assess the levels of preparedness in Irish business for pandemic flu. The study found that small to medium size enterprises in particular were not prepared for this risk and there was therefore a need to provide guidance in this area. The resultant Report provides businesses with the necessary information and tools to develop pandemic preparedness plans. It includes an introduction to the threat posed by influenza pandemic and issues arising for enterprise, a checklist for enterprises to use in their planning process and a comprehensive user guide. Ten illustrative case studies of enterprises across a broad range of sectors are also included. I am confident that the Report provides excellent advice to the enterprise sector and I am pleased to say that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has acknowledged this Report as an excellent contribution to the broader pandemic planning agenda.