asked the Minister for Health the number of people suffering from cystic fibrosis in Ireland; and if any special help is given to them through health authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Cystic Fibrosis.
68.
Information concerning the number of people in Ireland suffering from cystic fibrosis is not available. It is estimated that cystic fibrosis occurs in not more than 60 new cases per year in this country. Most of these die from unpreventable causes in infancy or early childhood.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to similar questions by Deputy O'Connell on 30 April, 1968 and Deputy Michael O'Leary on 7 November, 1968, in which I explained that under existing legislation, health authorities can and do make arrangements to alleviate hardship which may fall on persons in any income group in arranging for proper care for children suffering from cystic fibrosis, and that the question of more formal provision for the free treatment of such cases is being considered in connection with pending health legislation.