HC Deb 17 March 2004 vol 419 cc306-7W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaths were attributable to MRSA in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years. [160615]

Mr. Pearson

There is no specific code to identify Methicillin ResistantStaphylococcus aureus in the International Classification of Diseases, and it is thus not possible to provide the exact information requested. Information has been provided in the table based on the number of occasions on which MRSA or Staphylococcus aureus are mentioned on the death certificate.

(b) communications he has had with the organisers of the 2012 London Olympic bid in relation to promoting Northern Ireland as a venue for games events. [161889]

Angela Smith

The Chair of London 2012, Barbara Cassani, is undertaking a series of visits across the UK to promote and secure support for the bid. A visit to Northern Ireland is expected to take place in May or June. The Olympic Bid has also become a standing item on the agenda for the Sports Cabinet, which is attended by UK Sports Ministers, including the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Regular contact takes place with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport through an inter-departmental group on the Olympic bid. One of the issues discussed by this group is how the regions, including Northern Ireland, can benefit from the games. Northern Ireland has been suggested as a venue for some of the matches in the early rounds of the football tournament and there is also the further possibility, prior to the Games, of hosting training and acclimatisation camps for competing countries.