James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 635: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the opinion of the State Claims Agency that the State could face a potential liability of €500 million relating to legal claims from people infected by MRSA; the number of actions that have been taken against the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29424/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Health care associated infections (HCAIs) are not new. For centuries they have been a side effect of medical treatment, especially in hospitals. There are a number of types of HCAIs, MRSA and C. difficile are the most widely publicised. The more medical care a person requires, the more likely they are to develop a health care associated infection. These infections are more common among people with serious illnesses or at high risk such as patients with a weakened immune system, patients who have been treated for leukaemia or cancer, or who have had an organ transplant. Tackling HCAIs continues to be a challenge for all healthcare systems. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs continues to be a priority for the Government and the Health Service Executive.

The State Claims Agency (SCA) has indicated a worst case scenario of costs in the region of €300m to €500m spread over a ten to fifteen year period. There are 102 hospital-acquired infections claims.