Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The issue of infections which are associated with health care is an important one. Deputy Ó Caoláin's point relates to whether we can feel comfortable about the fact that people are going into hospital with certain ailments and then picking up separate infections in hospital. Nobody can defend that. The Deputy asked me a fair question about what the HSE is doing about this problem. I have said that the HSE will soon publish an action plan that will set targets on the basis of its guidelines for the control of MRSA in hospital and community settings.

Professor Drumm and his colleagues on the health committee have emphasised that issues like basic cleanliness, hygiene standards, the appropriate prescription of antibiotic drugs, active surveillance for the detection of MRSA, clinical governance structures and infection control standards are hugely important. Nothing is more important to a hospital than trying to ensure there is no bacterial spreading or any other kind of spreading in the broad area of infections which are associated with health care. This area is broader than just MRSA — there are many other infections. There are wider issues like the strategy for the control of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland.

I am aware from listening to the senior members in the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive that they are acutely conscious of that aspect. As we continue to put in the enormous amounts of resources we have been putting in for a number of years to the health capital programme, we must ensure that national hygiene standards as shown in national hygiene audits continue to improve.

These are important issues. I am not an expert in this area but it always amazed me, from my own days long ago when I worked in the Mater and the good Sisters of Mercy had control over it, that it would be easier to get into Fort Knox than into the hospital, with the exception of strict visiting hours. We do not appear to have the same issues around that 30 years on. It always puzzles me that large numbers of people go in for a long number of days. I would have thought that is an issue. I have raised that at other times as well but hygiene standards are vitally important and I do not disagree with the Deputy's urging to try to improve the situation.

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