John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on a recent Health Service Executive report which showed a 16.3 per cent increase in antibiotic consumption; the steps she will take to ensure the full implementation of the recommendation of the SARI national committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29557/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I noted with some concern that there has been a significant increase in overall antibiotic consumption in Ireland from 1993 to 2004. This means that compared with other European countries, we are in the high to moderate range of antibiotic consumers.

The Health Service Executive has prepared an overview of a three year plan for the implementation of the SARI recommendations which include the need for developments in surveillance, improvements in antibiotic stewardship, education and research, and enhanced infection control practices.

Quarterly meetings between my Department and the Health Service Executive, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer of my Department, will continue to operate to monitor progress in this important area.