Vol. 475 No. 8
90 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the problems and complications arising out of communicable diseases, particularly in our hospitals; the matters brought to his attention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6150/97]
Limerick East): The term “communicable disease” covers a wide range of conditions, which cause very many problems and complications for the health services as a whole, including our hospitals. I have spoken to the House on numerous occasions about matters relating to AIDS, Hepatitis, Meningitis, Tuberculosis and Influenza, to mention just a small number of these conditions, and I have outlined the various measures which are in place to tackle each of the conditions concerned. With specific reference to hospital issues, I have established a group to report to me on measures which need to be taken in relation to problems arising from the infection of health care workers, and I have published guidelines covering procedures for the management of the hospitalacquired infection MRSA.
Given the breadth of the area covered by the term, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be impossible in the context of a reply to a parliamentary question to set out all of the matters that have been brought to my attention in respect of each and every communicable disease, but I will be happy to respond to any more specific questions which the Deputy may wish to put to me.
