Drug-resistant microbes - superbugs - have been endemic in some hospitals since the 1980s. They are also found in nursing homes.
Current measures to control infection in hospitals and in the community are not good enough.
The use of antibiotics must be strictly controlled and monitored as overuse of the drugs helps microbes to develop resistance.
The public must be educated to understand that antibiotics are not always the answer for sore throats, colds and flu.
The public should avoid overuse of cleaners and toiletries which contain anti-microbial agents.
Hospital staff must be encouraged to wash or otherwise disinfect their hands.
All healthcare workers should be educated on infection control.
Advice on treating infections should be available to doctors 365 days a year.
A network of laboratories should be established around the State to monitor infection by drug-resistant microbes.