Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

While some aspects of an investigation into this issue may be complicated, does the Tánaiste recognise that generally the cause or causes are simple? Since taking up office has the Tánaiste, or anybody in the Department of Health and Children, sent a directive or circular to each hospital and nursing home in the country outlining the basic cause or causes of this infection and requesting that immediate steps be taken to deal with it?

I presume the Tánaiste is also aware, notwithstanding the expertise of the consultants — of whom we have seen many in recent years — that in the United Kingdom, whence this company comes, there is also a serious problem in regard to this infection. The company may derive its expertise from its experience in the United Kingdom.

Would it be beneficial for the Tánaiste to give readily available information in the House? Dr. Twomey said we could get a reply to most questions a month or two later because they are referred to the Health Service Executive. That is totally unsatisfactory. Previously, when the old health boards still existed, a directive was given instantly and a reply expected within 24 hours.

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