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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Oct 2001

Vol. 543 No. 1

Written Answers. - Influenza Epidemic.

David Stanton

Ceist:

78 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to deal with a potential influenza epidemic [25517/01]

In 1999, the World Health Organisation produced a detailed blueprint for an influenza pandemic plan, setting out the issues which arise nationally and internationally in relation to a possible future influenza pandemic. A pandemic would have very serious effects in terms of mortality and morbidity and services such as acute hospitals and general practice would experience greatly increased workloads, well in excess of those seen during more regular outbreaks of influenza.

Last year I established a committee, chaired by Professor William Hall, director of the virus reference laboratory, to draw up plans to address any future influenza pandemic. I also asked this committee to consider issues which arise in relation to the more regular outbreaks of influenza, and how our health services might best be prepared for these. These issues include prevention strategies, surveillance and early warning systems, scientific and medical issues, vaccination policy, pharmaceutical supplies and logistical matters, hospital and community responses, economic, legal and political concerns, communications and an effective management process.

I understand that work in relation to the preparation of the plan is at an advanced stage and that the document is now available for wider consultation. It is expected that the plan will be presented to my Department later this year.

When the plan is presented it is intended that it will be examined by the relevant experts in the fields concerned and appropriate legal advice will be sought in relation to the legislative and constitutional issues raised in the plan.

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