Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I was impressed to discover that the infection rates in hospitals differ in different countries. This is especially the case with regard to the MSRA infection rate. In Britain the figure has dropped since the introduction of league tables of the most dangerous hospitals. If the message for management is that what gets measured gets dealt with, this is an ideal way for Ireland to operate. There have been problems with safety in hospitals. In Denmark there is a zero rate of MRSA occurrence as it has a system of cleaning individual bedsteads once patients leave. However, there are various ways of going about this. Can we introduce topics during the Minister's visit to this House that are not limited to the Health (Amendment) Bill 2005? The question of health is high on the agenda of many Senators and in the upcoming by-elections.