I propose to take Questions Nos. 583, 597 to 602, inclusive, 679 and 680 together.
I am very concerned about the recent outbreak of TB in the HSE South area. In that case, a HSE Outbreak Control team was established to manage the situation in accordance with the guidance report of the National TB Advisory Committee. Cases of active and latent TB found have been referred for appropriate treatment and follow up care. All involved with the school have been reassured that (i) the children with active TB are on treatment and are not currently infectious (ii) children or staff with latent TB infection are not infectious and (iii) other children, or staff, are not at risk from contact with either the cases of active TB or of latent TB.
In order to assess the position fully, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department immediately requested the HSE to provide clarification and information regarding the routine administration of BCG in all regions of the country, for them to identify areas where this is not the case and specify what arrangements are being made to deliver these services and a timescale for implementation. The HSE has also been requested to plan for the undertaking of an on-going audit of the delivery of BCG/TB services throughout the country. The service issues in the questions raised by the Deputies with regard to numbers of staff involved in BCG and Mantoux testing, clinical provision and the requested tabular data have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.