Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Health if the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in hospitals have been reviewed in the context of minimising hospital acquired infections; if any recommendations have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7485/17]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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205. To ask the Minister for Health if, with regard to the cooling coils for air conditioning systems in hospitals, he will provide information regarding the levels of bacterial and fungal biofilms that are found when the systems are cleaned and decontaminated; if there has ever been a report of the release of planktonic bacteria and fungi into the conditioned airstream that would add to existing entrained planktonic bacteria and fungi that would get through primary filters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7486/17]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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206. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to the introduction of an enhanced ultraviolet germicidal irradiation within the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in hospitals to eliminate the cooling coil biofilm and entrained microbes which necessitate constant cleaning of cooling coils, drip trays, plenums, ductwork and conditioned air; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7487/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 206, inclusive, together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

I can assure the Deputy that the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance is a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Government. I am advised that Irish hospitals, like other hospitals internationally, are taking steps to reduce healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance including the prudent use of antibiotics.

A wide range of initiatives has been put in place in the Irish health system over several years to tackle healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance, covering improved surveillance of infections and prescribing and infection prevention and control processes.

It also includes antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, public and professional awareness-raising with a significant emphasis on the education and training of healthcare professionals.

Ireland is also developing a National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in line with the World Health Organisation’s 2015 Global Action Plan on AMR and the European Council’s 2016 Conclusions: ‘The next steps under a ‘One Health’approach to combat antimicrobial resistance’.

The National Action Plan is being developed with the oversight and guidance of the Interdepartmental AMR Consultative Committee. The Committee was established in 2014 by my Department’s Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in recognition of the need for a ‘whole of Government’ approach to tackling the issue of AMR. This intersectoral approach crosses the health, veterinary and environmental spheres to encompass all stakeholders’ efforts to address what is a world-wide concern. It is intended that the National Action Plan will be published in 2017.