(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Health the number of persons at present receiving treatment for tuberculosis; and the number of cases reported in the years ended (a) September, 1973 (b) September, 1974 and (c) September, 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis Statistics.
7.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in a tabular statement which I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate with the Official Report.
Returns of cases of tuberculosis are made in respect of calender years, and as the figures for the year ended 31st December, 1975, have not yet been received the statement covers the three years ended 31st December, 1974.
For the purpose of comparison I have also shown figures for years 1962, 1963 and 1964 and I have also shown the number of deaths from tuberculosis for the years in question. The small increase in the number of new cases notified in 1973 and 1974 is not considered significant. The number of deaths for 1974 is the lowest ever recorded.
Following is the statement:—
Tuberculosis
|
Year |
New cases notified |
Cases registered as showing activity in previous 3 years |
Deaths |
|
1962 |
2,820 |
13,060 |
427 |
|
1963 |
2,502 |
11,566 |
432 |
|
1964 |
2,178 |
10,874 |
401 |
|
1972 |
1,147 |
5,478 |
183 |
|
1973 |
1,183 |
5,384 |
187 |
|
1974 |
1,201 |
5,266 |
176 |
(Dublin Central): I did not think the question was so complicated that it was necessary for the Parliamentary Secretary to issue a statement with it. Is the Parliamentary Secretary in a position to give a reason for the increases that have taken place in 1973 and 1974?
It was not my intention to deny the Deputy access to any figures in the House which he will receive in the post in the morning. Up to 1972 there was a steady decline in the incidence of tuberculosis and the halt in the decline in 1973-74 has been very slight.
(Dublin Central): Are the 1975 figures available?
I could not get that figure.
(Dublin Central): Can he say if there was an increase in 1975?
Without the figures I cannot say.
(Dublin Central): My information is that there has been. Would he agree this is due to the fact that there has not been bovine tuberculosis testing in the country? Would that be a factor?
At the end of my reply I said that the number of deaths in 1974 was the lowest ever recorded.
(Dublin Central): My information is that the figures for 1975 will show an increase. It has been brought to my knowledge that because there has been no proper bovine TB testing there is the possibility that TB infected meat may be consumed by human beings.
All I have to say is that I have given the figures provided for me by people who know.
(Dublin Central): I requested the figures for 1975 and I am surprised that the Parliamentary Secretary has not got a figure for even six months.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the mobile unit will be reactivated?
I want to assure Deputy McSharry that everything is being done to ensure that all possible steps will be taken.
Do you intend to bring back the mobile unit and if so, when?
We do, when we get medical advice.
Could the increase in the incidence not be caused by the fact that there are no general examinations?
Are the Deputies sorry that the incidence of deaths in 1974 was the lowest ever recorded?
(Dublin Central): Wait for the 1975 figures.