EMBASSY DUBLIN AVIAN INFLUENZA CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000040 SIPDIS SENSITIVE PLEASE PASS TO S/ES-O/CMS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC AMED KFLO SUBJECT: EMBASSY DUBLIN AVIAN INFLUENZA CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND TRIPWIRES REF: A. STATE 219189 B. DUBLIN 1434 ¶1. American Embassy Dublin has the advantage of being located in an administratively and technically advanced host nation. The Irish Government has actively participated in the US-led global planning efforts for Avian Influenza (AI) and has developed an AI- specific contingency plan that tracks with USG recommendations. Embassy officials have met regularly with Irish Government Health Officials to discuss Ireland's preparedness for an Avian Influenza outbreak. While Irish contingency plans are comprehensive, Post has concerns about the health system's ability to respond to an epidemic as discussed in ref B. paragraph 9B. Irish public health services are currently stockpiling antiviral agents. Further information on Irish Health Department preparations can be found at http://www.ndsc.ie/AZ/Respiratory/AvianInflue nza/Guidance/File,12 03,en.pdf. The expectation is that Mission staff will be able to shelter in place indefinitely, unless total societal disorder ensues. ¶2. Post AI tripwires were reviewed and finalized by the Emergency Action Committee on January 11, 2006. American citizen employees holding TS security clearances who will be responsible for inputting tripwire data are: Raymond D. Toma, CONS and Marie Cusack, Management OMS. Post anticipates that tripwire information will be entered into TRIPS by 1/17/06. ¶3. Post preparedness steps (Ref A. para 8) were discussed and appropriate action is being taken. ¶4. Post EAC agreed that if AI becomes pandemic and if there are issues concerning Americans seeking assistance that become irate/violent or attack Embassy personnel/property, the Embassy's Internal Defense and Intruder Plans will be followed. KENNY