Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of deaths recorded from MRSA or MRSA type infections in respect of each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25781/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Tackling Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs), including MRSA, is a priority for my Department and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

MRSA is not a notifiable disease. However, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE collects data on MRSA. The data are collected on the first episode of blood stream infection of MRSA per patient per quarter. This system shows that there were 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003, 553 cases in 2004, 592 cases in 2005 and 588 cases in 2006. Figures for the first six months of 2007 shows that there were 292 cases.

A National Surveillance System has been established recently to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas, to monitor HCAIs in our healthcare system: Staphylococcus bacteraemia; Antibiotic consumption; Alcohol gel use; MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units. The first report is expected shortly and eventually 52 hospitals and 30 local health offices will report into the system.

The HSE has established a National Infection Control Action Plan. The Infection Control Steering Group is chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) and is responsible for reducing infection levels in Ireland's health care facilities. Over the next three to five years the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infections by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.

It is difficult to identify the number of fatalities attributable to MRSA as many people also have significant co-morbidity factors.

While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of infection and to treat them promptly when they occur.