James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 213: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if strict regulations will be introduced on visiting hours at hospitals and nursing homes and if not more than two visitors per day will be allowed to visit a patient as this could reduce the spread of the MRSA superbug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38073/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy will be aware this issue was raised at our recent meeting with families and victims of MRSA. Unrestricted visiting in hospitals can cause difficulties for hospital staff and for the proper enforcement of infection control measures. There are, of course, exceptions that must be made, particularly for seriously ill patients and children.

I understand that the Health Service Executive is developing a guidance document for hospitals regarding hospital visiting policies. This document is under consideration by a HSE working group on infection control and cleaning standards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the present position in this regard.