Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the estimated number of hospital bed days lost during 2004 as a result of the winter vomiting bug; the steps being taken to control the spread of this infection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4250/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for infection control measures in hospitals. Accordingly, my Department has requested the interim chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the number of bed days lost in 2004 as a result of outbreaks of norovirus, more commonly referred to as the "winter vomiting bug".

Norovirus is very resilient and is highly infectious and can remain infectious for long periods. As it is a community infection, outbreaks in hospitals are simply a gauge or reflection of what is happening in the community. While outbreaks cannot be eradicated, they can be controlled. The HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre, formerly the National Disease Surveillance Centre, has published guidelines on the management of outbreaks of gastroenteritis. These guidelines provide a framework to address the challenge of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in hospitals and other settings caused by norovirus.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 81: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will set up a redress board for the victims of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4166/05]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 91: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected completion date of the inquiry, to be chaired by Judge Maureen Harding-Clarke, into the activities of a person (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the call made by a number of victims for the establishment of a redress board; if she intends to act on this suggestion; the reason she has failed to respond to a request for a meeting on this matter from Patient Focus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4207/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 91 together.

The inquiry referred to by the Deputies is ongoing and, subject to legal advice, it is my intention to publish the report of the inquiry when it comes to hand. I have received proposals from Patient Focus, the group that represents former patients of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, requesting the establishment of a redress board. I intend to meet with the group shortly to discuss its request. Following that meeting, I will consider the matter in consultation with Government colleagues.