Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will provide information on the incidence of tuberculosis in each of the past 10 years; the number of isolation beds available for public patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and their location; and if there are guidelines or protocols in place in respect of the treatment of such patients in order to minimise the possibility of spreading the disease. [27348/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The incidence of TB in Ireland has declined dramatically since its peak at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) monitors rates of TB in Ireland on an ongoing basis and identifies any increases in rates or clusters of the disease. According to data provided by the HPSC TB notifications in Ireland between 1991 and 2003 are as shown in the following table.

The Health Service Executive has advised that there are 3 negative pressure rooms fully operational at St James's since 2 April 2006. They have also advised that the development of additional beds will be dealt with as a priority item in the context of the Capital Programme for 2007.

The Health Act 1947 and the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981 (as amended) provide the legislative basis for the control of infectious diseases, including Tuberculosis (TB), in Ireland. My Department's strategy in relation to the prevention and treatment of TB is guided by the recommendations of the "Report of the Working Party on Tuberculosis" (1996) which covers a wide range of issues including epidemiology, surveillance, screening, preventative therapy, clinical management and laboratory diagnosis. Responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive. As recommended in the Report, a permanent committee — the National Tuberculosis Committee — was established to advise on a detailed strategy for the control and management of TB. The Committee meets when necessary to review all relevant issues.