asked the Minister for Health if in view of the outbreak of smallpox in various centres in the United Kingdom he is satisfied that all contacts entering this country have been interviewed with a view to ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken in the areas to which they are proceeding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smallpox Precautions.
40.
I would like to be in a position to give the Deputy the assurance which he has requested but I think that on reflection he will appreciate that it is impossible for me to do so, if for no other reason than that persons entering this country may have been contacts without knowing it.
I can, however, offer the Deputy such assurance as arises from the fact that there are arrangements, on a reciprocal basis, under which health administrations in the United Kingdom and in the greater part of Western Europe have undertaken to notify my Department of the name of any known contact who travels to this country. In addition, there has been an excellent response to the appeals made to travellers coming from affected areas to disclose the fact to the health control at seaports and airports of entry and in such cases particulars are forwarded to the health authority in the area to which the traveller is proceeding.
I feel that the measures taken represent all that is reasonably practicable in present circumstances. The situation remains under continuous review.
Did the Minister give consideration to the feasibility of providing that nobody could enter Ireland without a vaccination certificate?
Yes. I shall reconsider it, but the Deputy ought to be well aware of what transpired in Great Britain in respect of these certificates of vaccination.
Does the Minister's Department receive a daily notification from the British Ministry of Health and other Ministries of Health of any fresh outbreaks of smallpox?
We are immediately notified and not merely that——
From everywhere?
From every quarter where there is what you might describe as a well-organised health service working.