Mary Henry (Independent)

Over a year ago a group of clinical microbiologists sent a short paper on MRSA, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, infection to the then Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin. It contained a number of suggestions on how the infection could be tackled. Regrettably, Ireland has once again appeared at the top of the list in Europe for rates of MRSA infection, according to a report published earlier this week. The Irish rate is 2.5 times greater than that of the next country on the list, Portugal.

No action has been taken on the paper submitted by the microbiologists, although they did meet the former Minister approximately three weeks before he left office. I realise the current Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, has a lot on her plate, but this is a serious issue. People are dying because of this infection. I urge the Leader of the House to invite the Minister to the House to explain why this issue is not being addressed.