asked the Minister for Health whether there are any figures available to him as to the failure rate of antibiotics being administered to young children or to hospital patients generally; whether the medical profession have made any complaints to him on the matter; and if he will make a statement.

Figures are not available in respect of the two categories mentioned. A number of different reports based on studies carried out in various countries have been published since 1962 which show a notable rise in the incidence of organisms resistant to the usual antibiotics. The cases on which these reports were based were in most cases sampled outside hospitals.

I have not had complaints about a failure rate as referred to by the Deputy although I am, of course, aware of the profession's views in relation to the availability of antibiotics for veterinary purposes. As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Agriculture proposes to introduce additional controls shortly on the supply and administration of such antibiotics.

Is the Minister aware that a number of members of the medical profession were quoted recently as expressing concern about what they call the failure rate in hospitals? Would the Minister consider asking his Department to try to compile some hard information in the future in this area as it is important?

My Department on a regular basis keep in very close touch with all of the health boards directly concerned. We have made inquiries through the medical director of the National Drugs Advisory Board and so far we have failed to elicit specific evidence of failure rates. I am aware of the reports in the newspapers. One newspaper, The Irish Times, reported on 3 November and that report is being examined and followed up.

Can I pin this down? Is the Minister saying to me that in his Department's opinion there is little or no failure rate? Is that the official response?

We seek information and specific evidence of failure rates. So far we have failed to elicit specific evidence. That is not to suggest that there are not any failure rates. So far we have not received notification of them.

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