COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2009

MOTION NO. 17

MOTION: Councillor S. Crowe

That this Council calls on the Manager in view of the very real concern relating to the new variation of flu and expected  outbreak of the so called swine flu virus, will he outline what discussions he has held on this matter with staff, other  authorities, state bodies and individuals and outlining what  plans he has  in place, and what new measures if any, he proposes to introduce to maintain essential and frontline services and public safety during this expected pandemic.

REPORT:

An Interdepartmental Committee comprising of all departments in the Council and chaired by the Environmental Services Department has been established and has been meeting on a weekly basis.   A member of the Environmental Health Officers (EHO) Section also sits on this committee. The most up to date information and advice from

A)    The Health Service Executive (HSE)

B)    The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC)

C)    The Department of Health and Children

D)    The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOEHLG)

E)    The Local Government Management Services Board (LGMSB)

F)     Our insurance company, Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances LTD (IPB)

are discussed and decisions made on how best to implement this information /advice. All Departments have produced Business Continuity Plans, identified critical services and lists of key staff required to deliver these services as well as lists of staff who may need to work from home. All these plans are being combined by the Environmental Services Department into one overarching Corporate Plan.

On a more practicable level, all staff have been informed about the A(H1N1) flu and the precautions they need to take by way of

1.      A news bulletin on South Dublin County Council’s intranet front page,

2.      Posters have been put up on all noticeboards and in all toilets in County Hall, The Clondalkin Offices and in all Depots and Libraries

3.      Hygiene stations are being set up in County Hall, The Clondalkin Offices and Libraries for all staff and the general public and in all depots for South Dublin County Council’s staff.

All departments have been liaising with their essential suppliers and making sure they also have business continuity plans. South Dublin County Council is also liaising with other Local Authorities especially in our case with Dublin City Council with regard to water and sewerage facilities.

As soon as the vaccine becomes available the Council it will in turn be made available to Council staff and the Council are, at present, liaising with the HSE so that this can be done in the Council premises.

If on advice received, the existing plans or precautions need to be up scaled this will be done through the Interdepartmental Committee and advised to staff through the news bulletin on the Intranet front page and other means.