MRSA
299. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of meetings she has had with MRSA sufferers and their families; if she has implemented their recommendations; the reason no civic director for tackling MRSA has been appointed; if she intends to appoint such a director; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32627/06]
Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney): I met with the MRSA and Families group in December 2005. The main concerns that the group raised with me related to communication of information to persons infected with MRSA, death certification and hospital visiting times. Following that meeting, I wrote to Professor Brendan Drumm, Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE), and requested him to follow-up the matters raised by the group. I understand that progress has since been made on all of the issues raised and my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange for a detailed reply to be sent directly to the Deputy.