The Government was criticised by doctors tonight for failing to draw up a comprehensive emergency plan to protect Irish citizens from a possible bird flu pandemic.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said it was concerned at the lack of action by ministers.
"The best opportunity to protect the Irish population is now, before any pandemic begins," IMO Honorary Secretary Dr Catherine Hayes said.
"Regrettably, the Irish Government has failed to establish a national emergency plan which includes the availability of a 24-hour public health medicine service."
A meeting of IMO Public Health Medical Specialists today called on the Government to put in place proper procedures and systems for a detailed plan.
All national emergency plans are predicated on a 24-hour public health service being available but no such service exists despite numerous calls from the IMO for more than 10 years, the organisation claimed.
"In October 2005, the IMO met with the Tanaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, who agreed that such a system be put in place without further delay," Dr Hayes said.
"Although there has been an acknowledgement that it is needed, there is no evidence or willingness by the Government to resolve this issue.
"Influenza pandemics have historically taken the world by surprise giving health services little time to prepare. "The present situation is remarkably different. Advance warning has brought an unprecedented opportunity to prepare for a pandemic and develop ways to lessen its effects."
Dr Hayes said the World Health Organisation estimated that one fifth of the world's countries have some form of a response plan, but these vary greatly in scope and stage of completion. "Pandemics are remarkable events in that they affect all parts of the world, regardless of socio-economic status, standards of health care, time zones, borders, hygiene and sanitation," she added.