Vol. 478 No. 1
63 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of E.coli cases or suspected E.coli cases which have been recorded in the Republic of Ireland since 1989; the source of the E.coli infection in each case; the hospitals, if any, which have been investigated due to an E.coli infection; the location of the cases; and the outcome of each case. [10441/97]
Limerick East): I assume the Deputy is referring to E.coli:0157. Separate figures for E.coli:0157 are not available as it is reported under the category “Food poisoning (bacterial other than salmonella)”. Recent media reports of food poisoning in hospitals were not related to E.coli:0157.
My Department has recognised the potentially serious implications of the E.coli infection and has taken steps to increase awareness of it. A report on the matter by the Food Safety Advisory Committee was circulated to all health boards in October 1994 with an instruction that it should be brought to the attention of all officers engaged in food control operations. A reminder to this effect was issued in July 1995. A further reminder issued in December 1996, this time to all directors of public health in the health boards. The directors were asked to remind doctors and laboratories to be particularly vigilant in reporting cases of food poisoning, with a view to identifying any possible cases of the E.coli infection. More recently, following advice from the Food Safety Advisory Board, the Health Promotion Unit of my Department has prepared a leaflet for distribution to the general public on this matter.
I have accepted the need for a national communicable disease surveillance unit to provide a comprehensive broad-based approach to the prevention of disease, including food borne diseases. The Department of Health is considering the organisational and structural issues involved in conjunction with the relevant agencies and professional interests. My Department will shortly be meeting with the Food Safety Advisory Board on the matter.
I assure the Deputy of my strong commitment to the question of food safety. The Deputy will be aware that the Government has agreed to the establishment of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland which will be dedicated to ensuring compliance with the very best food safety and hygiene standards. The preparation of the necessary legislation is under way but, meanwhile, the interim Food Safety Authority of Ireland is proceeding with putting in place the necessary structures and administrative systems to ensure the statutory board will be able to make a strong and immediate impact in this area.
