Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 139: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is an appropriate use of Exchequer funding to treat infection using antibiotics without treating the underlying disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30903/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am committed to ensuring the rational use of all pharmaceutical agents including antibiotics. My Department continues to promote the rational use of antibiotics and also their non-use in cases of viral infection. The Guidelines for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Hospitals in Ireland aim to promote the sensible prescribing of antibiotics. Data on antibiotic consumption collected by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), shows a welcome decrease in antibiotic consumption in hospitals in 2008 for the first time since 2000. Data for 2009 shows a further drop in consumption over the 2008 rates. Ireland participated in the first two European Antibiotic Awareness Days in 2008 and 2009; an education programme for healthcare staff and the general public launched the 2008 programme and the 2009 campaign built on that platform.