Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I know the Ceann Comhairle would take that position but I have very little time. As demanded by MRSA and Families Network, the campaigning group, will the Government set up a national directorate for the inspection, prevention and control of MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections? That is a critically important point. The seriousness of this issue cannot be overstated. I cited here only a week ago the incidence of a lady who presented at one of our hospitals for the removal of a kidney stone, contracted bed sores and MRSA in her ankles as a result of same, and left with both her legs amputated. This is a very serious problem.

Last evening I met a family in County Donegal whose wife and mother is now several weeks over the original scheduled timeframe for her presence in hospital. The reason is suspected MRSA but again the hospital authorities are not being open with the family and they have not acknowledged what is the reason for her long, protracted and current serious state of health. We must get to a point where the truth is shared at all times and where families and those who are victims in hospitals are told the full facts.

Is the Taoiseach aware that the measures outlined in the 1995 guidelines do not apply beyond the hospital sites? With reference to the Leas Cross report, it is critically important that these measures are extended to all care facilities, not only hospitals but nursing homes and community settings as appropriate? Will the Taoiseach heed the call of MRSA and Families Network, specifically for the Health Information and Quality Authority to expand its role and responsibilities to include hospitals, nursing homes and other settings and to report its findings directly to the national directorate? I appeal to the Taoiseach.

See this speech in context