David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her policy in relation to TB prevention; the measures in place in her Department to ensure that incidents of TB are detected and kept under control; the current situation regarding BCG vaccinations in Cork, in particular the success of the neo-natal BCG programme in CUMH and the community BCG vaccination programme; the numbers still awaiting BCG vaccinations in Cork city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34787/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I am very concerned about the recent outbreak of TB in Cork. A HSE Outbreak Control team was established to manage the situation. Cases of active and latent TB found have been referred for appropriate treatment and follow up care. All involved with the school have been reassured that (i) the children with active TB infection are on treatment and are not currently infectious (ii) children or staff with latent TB infection are not infectious and (iii) other children, or staff, are not at risk from contact with either the cases of active or latent TB.

In order to assess the position fully, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department immediately asked the HSE to provide information about the routine administration of BCG in all regions of the country, to identify areas where BCG vaccination is not being administered and outline what arrangement are being made to deliver these services, including a timescale for implementation. The HSE has also been asked to plan for the undertaking of an on-going audit of the delivery of BCG/TB services in the country. The service issue raised in the question by the Deputy about the numbers still awaiting BCG vaccinations in Cork city and county has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.