asked the Minister for Health if his Department will arrange for an objective assessment to establish whether there has been increased interest in epidemiology in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Epidemiological Survey.
15.
Epidemiology in its broad sense, that is the study of the factors determining the frequency and distribution of diseases in human populations, has gained increased interest in this country in recent years. The Medico-Social Research Board was established by my Department to undertake such studies. The board commenced their research programme in 1969 and since then their range of epidemiological studies has increased progressively. A description of the studies which the board have on hands at present is contained in their recently published annual report.
A major contribution is also being made by the schools of social medicine in the universities, both in research projects and in providing training in epidemiology. The Royal College of Physicians have recently announced that they are considering providing for a higher qualification in community medicine, the main requirement of which is in the field of epidemiology.
The health boards are at present building up their community care teams and these teams will take a special interest in epidemiology.
The epidemiology of infectious disease is kept under constant surveillance by my Department, both nationally and internationally, through regular contact with the World Health Organisation and centres of epidemiology in other countries.
In view of this evidence of continuing and increasing interest in epidemiology, I do not feel that a special study to confirm this fact is required.
Would the Minister be able to give any reason for the marked decrease in socialism recently?
This is irrelevant. Question No. 16.
What about the decrease in republicanism——
That has been in evidence at all times——
Deputy Power, please desist.
The one that disappeared from the Fianna Fáil posters.
There was no mention of the National Coalition Parties in Mayo until a Labour man appeared——
Deputy Power, please. Question No. 16.
16.
asked the Minister for Health the extent to which this country is participating in the epidemiological survey in hands by the EEC regarding the effects of atmospheric pollution on respiratory diseases.
This study is concerned with the relation between air pollution, standards of living and respiratory disease in children. It is being carried out in six EEC countries, including Ireland. In Ireland the fieldwork has been completed and the results are now being processed. It was carried out in three areas—central Dublin, central Cork and a part of Galway city. A total of 4,500 children between the ages of six and 11 years living in these areas were included in the study. The extent of air pollution in each of the areas was measured, the measuring techniques being standardised for all countries in the study.