I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 69 together.
Records available to me indicate that four cases of E.coli 0157 were reported by health boards to my Department during 1997, and three cases were reported during 1998. The records also indicate that there were no fatalities due to this infection during these years. While all cases of E.coli 0157 infection in Ireland have been sporadic and there have not been epidemics of the infection here, I believe nevertheless it is imperative that the medical profession, the public, and all persons engaged in food preparation are aware of E.coli 0157 and of the simple measures by which infection can be prevented.