Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I agree that patients who are suspected of having MRSA should be screened in isolation when they are first admitted to hospitals. Staff who have been in contact with patients who have tested positive for MRSA should also be screened and appropriate steps should be taken thereafter. Proper cleaning techniques should be introduced by the management of hospitals. The points which have been made in the motion before the House are quite commendable and reasonable. This debate gave the Minister, Deputy Harney, an opportunity to come to the House to express her concerns in this regard.

There was a detailed discussion of MRSA on a recent edition of the "The Late Late Show" with Mr. Pat Kenny. I was concerned by the lack of impatience and urgency shown by the HSE representative on that programme.