asked the Minister for Health what organisations are at present in existence for conducting research into psychiatric illness in Ireland; and if a report has yet been issued from this organisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Psychiatric Research.
110.
The Medical Research Council of Ireland and the Medico-Social Research Board are organisations which can conduct or sponsor research into psychiatric illness. A number of studies related to this matter are being pursued under the auspices of the Medical Research Council and reports on these studies will be furnished in due course. The council publishes an annual report which contains information on studies pursued under its auspices.
The Medico-Social Research Board has not so far conducted or organised research into psychiatric illness. I have asked the board, with which a director of research has recently taken up duty, to consider a comparative epidemiological survey in this field. I understand that there are certain difficulties in pursuing such a study at present but the matter is being examined.
I should, perhaps, also mention that I have approved in principle of a proposal to provide financial support towards the cost of a study of Irish drinking practices and attitudes which will be carried out by the Department of Psychiatry of University College, Dublin.