Bernard Allen
Question:240 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the high level of antibiotic resistance in this country. [10632/00]
Vol. 517 No. 6
240 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the high level of antibiotic resistance in this country. [10632/00]
I am aware of concerns relating to antibiotic resistant organisms. Much international research has been carried out in this area and, at a European level, Ireland is involved in surveillance of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
On the initiative of EU chief medical officers, a major international conference on this subject was held in Copenhagen in September 1998. My Department was represented by the deputy chief medical officer and service providers were represented by a range of health care professionals. Arising from recommendations made at the conference, my Department entered into discussions with appropriate agencies, including the national disease surveillance centre, with a view to disseminating relevant information through the Irish health services and monitoring any further developments in this area.