Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the situation regarding the special teams set up in 2009 to deal with swine flu outbreak; the level of staff involved in these teams at their highest point; the staff still involved; when will they be disbanded; the person who will give the order or direction to wind down or disband; and if she will report on the backlog at Health Service Executive appeals system including area Medical Offices and Medical Review Committees which reportedly are in arrears due to withdrawal of swine flu staff. [21239/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The public pandemic vaccination campaign came to an end on 31st of March, 2010. Following a full assessment of the current situation, the risks of a second wave, the availability of vaccine and other factors, the National Public Health Emergency Team decided, following advice received from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee that those in the "at risk" groups should continue to be vaccinated. This means that up to September 2010 the vaccine will continue to be made available to those in the "at risk" groups including all those travelling to the southern hemisphere during the upcoming influenza season but this will be done through GPs and Maternity Units. With regard to the other issues raised, I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the details requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.