Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 138: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the position regarding special teams set up last year to deal with the swine flu outbreak; the level of staff involved in these teams at their highest point; the staff that are still involved; when they will be disbanded; the person who must give the order or direction to wind down or disband in view of the fact that it appears various units of the Health Service Executive still use the swine flu excuse for lack of progress on their normal activity levels; and if she will report on the backlog at the HSE appeals system, including area medical offices and medical review committees which reportedly are in huge arrears due to withdrawal of swine flu staff. [26201/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The public pandemic vaccination campaign came to an end on 31st 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 GP's and Maternity Units.

With regard to the other issues raised, I wish to advise that as these are service issues, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive who will reply directly to the Deputy.