Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Several days ago, I raised the question of contaminated water in a number of towns around the country. I have since learned that the situation is far worse than I originally believed. I made specific reference to Tyrellstown, in the Fingal County Council area, where a water problem arose last weekend which was not resolved until Monday. Last night, I was notified by the council that the water in Tyrrelstown is once again contaminated and cannot even be used for washing at present.

I ask if the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will come to the House to tell Members whether this problem is endemic throughout the country or one that has only recently arisen. Perhaps we always had this problem but now that we have become more vigilant we are more aware of it. This problem is causing great concern because people suspect we are not aware of a problem in other areas only because it has not been detected yet.

I wish to add to the very strong point made by Senator Henry about MRSA. I read in an article that hospitals in Great Britain have installed something like a bed washing machine, which is akin to a car wash, thereby allowing every bed to be washed before it is used by a new patient. By doing this, hospitals have reduced the incidence of MRSA by an enormous degree, I understand the figure was 75%. The incidence of MRSA is a solvable problem. It is simply a question of having the determination to reduce its incidence.