Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the facilities available in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Tallaght Hospital, St. Vincent's; St. James' and Connolly Memorial Blanchardstown to treat patients who have tuberculosis; his plans to expand these facilities in view the recent Primetime investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51767/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes countries with an incidence of less than 10 cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 population as a low incidence country. In 2010 and 2011, the annual TB notification rates in Ireland were 9.2 per 100,000 (420 cases in 2010 and 424 cases in 2011) which is the lowest rate recorded since surveillance of TB began in the 1950s and now categorise Ireland as a low incidence country and represents a drop from 11.3 per 100,000 (480 cases) in 2007. The number of TB notifications for 2012 up to week ending November 9th is 339 cases, which is a decrease of 49 cases compared to the same period in 2011 (388 cases).

I am happy to confirm that the overall rate of tuberculosis continues to decline and this decrease has prompted a review in the HSE of the continuing requirement for BCG which is currently in progress.

In relation to the Deputy’s query regarding treatment facilities I have forwarded to question to the HSE who will respond to you directly in this regard.