My Department recently published the Report of a Review Group set up to examine the Irish response to influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009. This Group was chaired by my Department and comprised of public health and emergency planning experts from the Health Services Executive (HSE) and its agency the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The Report includes recommendations for a revision of the National Pandemic Plan (2007) and provides advice on operational arrangements for any future pandemic. A Working Group will be established to begin this process.
The purpose of a plan is to limit the effects of a potential pandemic and to inform the public about pandemic influenza, explain what the Government and health services are doing to prepare for a possible pandemic, and give information on what members of the public need to do if there is a pandemic. The health service response to the threat of an influenza pandemic is based on eight core elements: communications strategy, telephone hotline, responsibilities of the public, surveillance, antiviral drugs, pandemic vaccine, reorganisation of the health services and essential supplies.
Agreement to improve the European Union health security framework was secured by the Irish Presidency last week. The Decision will help Member States prepare for, and protect citizens against, possible future pandemics. The agreement strengthens risk preparedness and response planning, provides a legal basis for the Health Security Committee, improves access to pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, for Member States, and will result in clearer risk and crisis communication to the public and healthcare professionals. A crucial aspect of the agreement is the establishment of a legal basis for the coordination of vaccine procurement across the EU. This will provide more equitable access to vaccines and may reduce costs associated with vaccine procurement. The EU will also be able to trigger pandemic vaccine production itself, ultimately leading to faster vaccination in an emergency.
As the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the stock-piling of antiviral medication this matter has been referred to them for direct reply to the Deputy.
