Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 27, 112, 121, 129 and 149 together.
The establishment of a national disease surveillance unit is currently being considered and the faculty of pathology of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland has submitted to the Department a consensus proposal drawn up by a group representing the various professional organisations with a particular interest in the area. This proposal envisages a national surveillance mechanism which would build on the reporting systems which have been developed in some regions, and which would assist in the control of all communicable diseases, including hospital acquired infections such as MRSA. This proposal is currently under consideration.