Vol. 531 No. 4
39 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration which has been given to the possibility of introducing disposable surgical instruments for certain medical procedures, having regard to the dangers of the spread of CJD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5966/01]
I have been advised that the issue of performing certain surgical procedures with disposable instruments was discussed at a recent meeting of the CJD advisory group. The information concerning the UK decision to recommend that tonsillectomies be carried out with disposable instruments was discussed and it was noted that this decision was taken in the light of the high incidence of vCJD in that country. The CJD advisory group is carrying out further inquiries in the matter and will discuss it again at its next meeting. Whatever measures are deemed necessary in the interests of public health will be undertaken on receipt of the advice received from the CJD advisory group.
