asked the Minister for Health his views on the merits or otherwise of disease registers and their value in preventative and diagnostic medicine; the policy, if any he has in this respect; if his attention has been drawn to other European research in this area; if he will make such a research available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disease Registers.
69.
I am satisfied that in respect of certain diseases and medical conditions the keeping of registers is of significant use in the provision of accurate epidemiological data, such as incidence, trends, small area statistics etc.
In relation to the establishment of particular registers, it is my policy that the needs and benefits to be derived from their establishment should be fully evaluated before proceeding. As the Deputy may be aware, I am, at present examining the feasibility of establishing a national cancer register and a national register of cot deaths. I am, of course, aware of the literature available in other countries on the establishment of registers.