Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the measures undertaken to address the threat of human swine flu; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26288/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department and the Health Service Executive have been preparing for some years for the possibility of an influenza pandemic being declared. On receipt of the alert in April from WHO, that human cases of influenza type A(H1N1) had been identified in the USA and Mexico, my Department activated the National Plan for pandemic influenza which was launched in January 2007. The plan was accompanied by a Guidance Report developed by the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group which was further updated in April 2009 and this guidance is currently being followed. In line with the plan the following governance structures were put in place:-

?The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), which manages the health system response to a public health emergency continues to meet as required.

?The Pandemic Influenza Expert Group (PIEG) is continuing to provide public health and scientific advice on preparedness and control measures to the NPHET.

?The Interdepartmental Committee on Pandemic Planning which coordinates the intersectoral response to a potential pandemic meets as required.

?HSE national and regional crisis management teams are meeting regularly to coordinate HSE preparedness and response measures.

?My Department and the HSE participate in regular teleconference meetings with the European Centre for Disease Control, public health officials in other European Member States and the WHO.

The following measures have also been taken :-

?Enhanced surveillance in hospitals and in the community.

?Regular updates for healthcare professionals and the public.

?Provision of antiviral drugs to cover 47% of the population, some of which has been distributed through public health departments to facilitate treatment of initial cases.

?The HSE, in association with my Department, has finalised advance purchase agreements to procure 7.7 million doses of pandemic vaccine.

?Frequently Asked Questions are updated daily on my Department's website and that of the HSE.

?Travel advice is also updated daily on both my Department's website and that of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

?A co-ordinated communications strategy is in place which includes regular press briefings.

I am satisfied that the measures taken to date are sufficient based on current knowledge and guidance.