IRELAND SUPPORTS IPAPI CORE PRINCIPLES, UNCERTAIN

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001110 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL TBIO ECON SOCI KSTH WHO SUBJECT: IRELAND SUPPORTS IPAPI CORE PRINCIPLES, UNCERTAIN ABOUT MEMBERSHIP REF: A. SECSTATE 164134 ¶B. DUBLIN 1094 ¶C. SECSTATE 153802 On September 8, emboff delivered ref A points to Brian Mullen, Principal Officer, Community Health Division, Department of Health and Children (and GOI point-of-contact on avian flu, per ref B). Mullen said that Ireland agrees with the Core Principles of the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza (IPAPI). He also said that Ireland is interested in partnering with IPAPI countries, but it is unclear to him what additional benefits such a partnership would bring, considering current global efforts already in place to stem the spread of avian flu. He added that he will consult with the Minister of Health, Mary Harney, as well as Irish Department of Foreign Affairs officials before committing Ireland to full IPAPI membership. KENNY