asked the Minister for Health whether there has been a survey made of the number of man hours of work lost due to rheumatic diseases; and whether there are any plans in train for a campaign to help to combat these diseases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rheumatic Diseases.
33.
I am not aware of any such survey but the Department of Social Welfare records show that out of a total of 18,200,000 days for which disability benefit was paid in 1970 13.22 per cent, i.e. approximately 2,406,000 days, were certified to be due to rheumatism and arthritis.
The existing facilities for physical medicine both inpatient and outpatient as well as the Dublin Rheumatism Clinic provide services in the specialist field for rheumatic diseases. A new physical medicine unit is included in the plans for the Cork Regional Hospital. I propose to consider whether some further expansion of specialist facilities is necessary.
Does the Minister consider that sufficient is being done to meet the situation?
I am informed that the incidence of rheumatism is on the decline, not a dramatic decline but a decline. It appears to me that facilities for specialist treatment for those who suffer from rheumatism are confined to Dublin, Cork and Galway and there is a suggestion that it might be extended to Limerick. I could not say now whether the service should be expanded dramatically but Limerick is being considered as a centre.
Would the Minister not agree that the figures available to his Department are a little out of date and that these figures only take account of insured workers and are not fully representative of the extent of the conditions in the country? In the circumstances would he not consider that the Department might undertake a national survey of the incidence of this crippling disease which is responsible for the loss of more workdays than any other disease in this country?
I accept what the Deputy said. I said in the reply that the information related only to those who were insured. As regards a survey, I would be open to advice on this and as to whether such a survey should concentrate on this particular ailment as distinct from others.
This disease is disabling and its allied conditions are disabling and are responsible for a greater loss of workdays than any other condition. Therefore, it should be seriously considered. May I ask the Minister why are the figures available only up to 1970 as stated in the recent report of the Dublin Rheumatism Clinic since we are now in 1973? They seem very much out of date.
Yes, but sometimes it takes a good deal of time to collect such information. I shall have inquiries made to see if figures can be given for 1971. I presume they could not be provided in respect of 1972.
Mr. Kitt
Was arthritis considered as part of the question? Is that one of the rheumatic conditions?
Mr. R. Burke
That is a political condition.
When giving the figures I did include arthritis with rheumatism.
Would the Minister consider extending the survey to include an examination of the mineral waters at Lisdoonvarna? Recently it was understood that a mineral called lithium is valuable for arthritis and rheumatism. Could the Minister consider extending the survey to the Spa waters of Lisdoonvarna?
The Deputy will appreciate that the Dáil proceedings are not yet being televised but this was a very good plug for his constituency.
Question No. 34. We must move on. I am sorry.
I should just like——
I have called Question No. 34.