Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 4

Written Answers. - Food Poisoning.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

40 Mrs. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide details of the number of cases of E.coli 0157 recorded in this country in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/98]

Dick Spring

Ceist:

57 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children the system for the surveillance of food poisoning; his views on its operation; and the proposals, if any, he has to improve the system. [10255/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 57 together.

The system for the surveillance of food poisoning consists of a combination of official notification procedures and informal contacts on a case by case basis. My Department is also in the process of establishing a disease surveillance unit. In the meantime the FSAI is engaged in the piloting of food-borne disease surveillance systems. The FSAI has identified this subject as a priority area for development.

Separate figures for E-coli 0157 are not available as it is reported under the category —"food poisoning bacterial other than salmonella".