Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

59 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children his policy in relation to the care and treatment of persons with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; the professional expertise available in each health board for the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions; the reason for the difficulty in having certain medications prescribed which are frequently used in other countries; the number estimated to be suffering from these conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27156/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The diagnosis, assessment and treatment of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder normally falls within the area of responsibility of the child and adolescent psychiatric services in each health board. The development of a comprehensive child and adolescent psychiatric service in each health board area has been identified as a priority in my Department's health strategy – Shaping a Healthier Future, and a consultant-led multi-disciplinary team is now available in each health board. I have provided additional revenue resources of £0.5 million in 1998 and £1.378 million in 1999, and £1.1 million is being allocated in 2000 to enable further improvements in multi-disciplinary teams to be undertaken in the child and adolescent services.

The decision on the nature of the treatment for ADD-ADHD is a matter for the consultant and I am not aware of difficulties arising in prescribing of certain medications initiated in this manner.

It is difficult to estimate the number of children suffering from this condition as not all cases are presented for treatment. However the prevalence is estimated to be between 1% of children with severe forms of ADD-ADHD and up to 5% with milder forms. Research into the genetics of ADHD is also ongoing through a collaborative research project between the genetic and psychiatric departments of Trinity College and clinicians in the Eastern Heath Board.

The chief executive officers of the health boards are anxious to ensure a planned development of services across the boards for persons with these conditions. They have recently been in touch with my Department recommending that a national working group be established with representatives from the health boards, the Department of Health and Children and perhaps the Department of Education and Science to prepare an agreed national framework for service developments. The proposal is currently being considered by my Department.