Update: Ebola Prevention – Health 30th September, 2014

 
  *  464.  To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which any steps have been taken here to prevent an outbreak or the spread of Ebola or other infections; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

                                                                          – Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 30th September, 2014.

*  332.  To ask the Minister for Health if he will develop a national response plan in relation to the Ebola outbreak which is a global health risk; if such a plan will incorporate civil society groups, health professionals and military personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

                                                                          – Brendan Smith T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 30th September, 2014.
 
   
REPLY.
Emergency Planning in Ireland is structured around the “Lead Government Department” principle.  There are currently 41 emergency types, each with a Lead Government Department (LGD) set out in Annex ‘A’ to Strategic Emergency Planning Guidance.  The Government Department that is responsible for an activity in normal conditions retains that responsibility during a major emergency.  When an emergency occurs it is the responsibility of the relevant lead Government Department to chair the National Co-ordination Group (NCG) which deals with the relevant emergency.

The Department of Health is currently the LGD for two emergency types:

• Pandemic influenza and other public health emergencies
• Biological incidents (where incident is primarily s public health incident).
•  

Consequently my Department would be responsible for calling and chairing a meeting of the National Co-ordination Group should this be necessary for dealing with issues arising from any outbreak of pandemic influenza or other public health emergencies.

EU Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament  on serious cross-border threats to health agreed under the Irish Presidency came into force in November, 2013.  The Decision provides a coherent framework for tackling all serious cross-border public health threats by addressing three main areas: preparedness and response planning; risk monitoring and assessment; risk management and crisis communication.

The Health Service Executive Emerging Viral Threats Group and the Ebola Scientific Advisory Group have met recently to review the situation and approve national guidance for Ebola and other emerging viral threats to health.  The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has issued this guidance to hospitals and GPs, including an algorithm for the the assessment of viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), clinical assessment forms and advice for healthcare workers, including humanitarian aid workers, returning to or coming to Ireland following travel from an area affected by the Ebola Virus Disease.  The situation continues to be monitored.

In conclusion, considerable public health planning is underway with a range of bodies and professionals in relation to the implications of the Ebola emergency in West Africa.