Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)

This question is important, as the Minister has no idea. She should confirm these figures. Professor Drumm stated: "It looks like up to 40% of isolates from staff in this country may be multiply resistant." Is it true that of the staff being swabbed, 40% have MRSA or some variant thereof? Is Professor Drumm wrong when he claims it can be spread by shaking hands? The Minister has stated it is not spread by staff.

There is serious concern in respect of MRSA in Ireland. Members want to know who will be in charge and what is the plan. There are no clear guidelines as to how the Minister will deal with this issue, apart from talking about public campaigns and raising issues in respect of prescribing. While Members are aware that these are the key issues, they want to know whether the Government has a clear plan. This is particularly true when one considers the enormous number in the community and who work in the health care services whom Professor Drumm is afraid to swab because of the possible consequences.

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