The Health Service Executive (HSE) is stockpiling 8.5 million vaccines to fight any new pandemic flu that hits Ireland.
A number of drugs manufacturers have been invited to bid for the multi-million euro contract to supply the doses if an epidemic occurs. Major international pharmaceutical firms are expected to bid for the contract.
The flu pandemic can spread rapidly from country to country, and it could take up to six months to develop a vaccine to any new strain.
A Government expert group estimated in January that in a "worst-case" scenario the next pandemic could result in two million people in Ireland becoming infected, 78,000 people being hospitalised and around 53,000 deaths.
The HSE is also stockpiling 500,000 surgical masks, five million pairs of disposable gloves and 150,000 surgical gowns. The Government expert group also considered arrangements for dealing with the mass burial of thousands who could die.
Similar to foot-and-mouth disease precautions, public events would be banned and schools would close. People with symptoms would have to stay at home and call an emergency helpline rather than going to their GP or attending A&E units.
World Health Organization experts have been warning about a possible pandemic outbreak since the H5N1 strain of the bird flu caused thousands of deaths in Asia and Europe. The last pandemic was in 1968/1969.