James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of claims lodged with the State Claims Agency for compensation as a result of patients acquiring hospital infections; the number of cases settled to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34571/08]

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 here continues to be a priority for the Government and the Health Service Executive.

I have been informed by the State Claims Agency that there are 98 alleged health care associated infection claims and to date one case has been settled.