asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to publish the report on the incidence of Down's Syndrome which was recently carried out by his Department.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Down's Syndrome.
24.
asked the Minister for Health when he will publish a report in relation to the incidences of Down's Syndrome in Ireland and emission from Sellafield.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 37 together.
The results of the study into the prevalence of Down's Syndrome on the east coast and of the related study being carried out in County Donegal following suggestions that there was a higher than average incidence of Down's Syndrome births in that county are not yet available. I am currently making arrangements to have these studies brought to a conclusion as soon as possible. I will announce the results of the studies as soon as they are available.
Is the Minister aware that the report of the Nuclear Energy Board published last week shows that Ireland is ill prepared to deal with a nuclear accident closer than Chernobyl — for example, Sellafield? That report indicated that the response of the health boards was inadequate and that the whole body monitors are not available in Ireland unlike most other European countries. I am asking the Minister what steps have been taken by his Department since Chernobyl, to improve the response to such an accident?
That is a separate question. The question of monitoring radioactive fallout is the responsibility of another Department. I have not the information on the new arrangements made by my Department but if the Deputy puts down another question I will be glad to answer it.
My question relates to Down's Syndrome and problems related to Sellafield. Contamination levels were very high after that accident. Surely the Minister should be aware of what steps have been taken by his Department to improve their performance since then. Surely they are related.
The question put to me by Deputy Allen was when I will publish a report in relation to the incidence of Down's Syndrome in Ireland and the emissions from Sellafield. As soon as that report is available it will be published without delay. I share the Deputy's concern about the fallout from Chernobyl and from Sellafield and the implications of it for this country. He can rest assured that in the Department of Health everything will be done to discharge our responsibility.