asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report that in Britain there is a 10 per cent increase of venereal disease among persons under 16 years; if he will indicate the percentage increase in this country from the latest available figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Venereal Disease.
29.
I am not certain of the report to which the Deputy is referring. In the 1971 Report on the State of the Public Health issued recently by the British Department of Health and Social Security, the percentage quoted by him is referred to, in respect of an increase in the incidence of gonorrhoea in persons under 16 years of age in England during the year 1971 as compared with 1970.
I am aware from reports generally that there has been a world wide increase in the incidence of venereal disease in recent years and that increased incidence of the disease among the younger age groups has been a notable feature.
There are no specific figures available as to age groups of cases of venereal diseases notified in this country. I understand, however, that while an increasing percentage of cases notified are occurring in the younger age groups only isolated cases occur in persons under 16 years of age.
Can the Minister say what programme of education in relation to this matter is carried out by his Department?
There is no programme of education. We are keeping the matter——
Does the Minister not think it would be advisable to have such a programme?
Venereal disease is at such a low level that such a programme would not be justified. The position is that we have a small committee examining all aspects of the problem from year to year and we communicate with the chief medical officers in all districts.
Is the Minister aware that only a small percentage of cases is reported because so many people attend their private doctors and do not attend the regular clinics? Does the Minister not consider it advisable to have a proper educational programme for young people so that there will not be this tremendous increase?
I asked the chief medical officer of my Department to make inquiries informally and, of course, without requesting names from private doctors. The inquiries having been made, I have no reason to believe that the numbers not notified would reveal a total number of cases that would give grounds for disquiet.
Can the Minister state when the inquiries were made?
About six months ago.