Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for her reply. We all agree the kernel of the issue is hygiene and vigilance. The absence of same is the real contributory factor to the problem. Would the Minister not agree that hygiene issues arise for a number of reasons? Part of it can also be attributable to overcrowding and understaffing in our hospitals. Does the Minister believe there is a correlation and connection between both of these factors, which are very obvious and identifiable in many of our hospitals? They must also be tackled if we are truly to grapple with the issue of MRSA.

The Minister cited a number of countries for comparison. Is she aware of other countries with better results? I point her in the direction of the Netherlands as one example, as the Minister is probably aware of the success there. We should be comparing with best practice, not the sadder reality under Prime Minister Blair's Administration.

While accepting that the Minister has indicated she will look at the ideas mooted by the Dublin City Coroner, what we really need is accurate information, as well as real and concerted action. We require accurate information to establish the true picture. I am very much of the view that we are not seeing the full extent of either the primary or contributory factors of MRSA indepth in our hospital sites around this country.

With regard to concerted action, I made some points to the Minister in my opening contribution, which I will reiterate as the Minister did not respond. One was to establish a national directorate for the inspection, prevention and control of MRSA, and whether the Minister saw a role for the Hospital Information and Quality Authority in addressing MRSA. There were also two points raised by the MRSA and Families network with regard to a public inquiry and the establishment of a redress board.

The Minister has had to address such issues with other matters that have arisen with regard to hospital sites in this State. We are both very much aware of those. I do not believe for one moment that the issue of MRSA is going to quietly go away, or be suffered indefinitely by people without taking a serious stand. That is already apparent.

It is incumbent on the Minister, the Department and the Government to act now in a responsible fashion on this matter for all the right reasons, and not only because of the prospect of action by people who have suffered and lost loved ones from MRSA.

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