Holly Cairns
Question:1978. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to the threat of monkeypox; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43909/22]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1978. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to the threat of monkeypox; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43909/22]
View answer1979. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to make the monkeypox vaccine freely available and widely accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43910/22]
View answer1980. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to communicate public health advice and information on vaccines concerning monkeypox to the groups in society most at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43911/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1978, 1979 and 1980 together.
In response to the monkeypox outbreak, I have convened a Strategic Advisory Group, chaired by the interim Chief Medical Officer, to review evidence and advise as appropriate in relation to surveillance and management of monkeypox at a national level; develop and implement a strategy to contain monkeypox; and provide oversight and assurance of the national response. The work of the multidisciplinary Group builds on the significant work already undertaken by the Department of Health, the HSE, other relevant agencies and organisations, and community representatives since the international alert on monkeypox was first raised.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.