asked the Minister for Health if there are any statistics available for each of the postal districts of Dublin, or alternatively on any other localised base within the Dublin area, showing relative incidence of the following: (a) asthma, (b) bronchitis, (c) other upper respiratory diseases, (d) heart complaint and (e) lung cancer; if so, if he will give details for the last five years for which these statistics are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Disease Statistics.
82.
Data on the incidence of the specific diseases referred to by the Deputy are not routinely available on a localised basis in my Department. The Hospital In-Patient Enquiry which covers acute hospital discharges provides information by diagnosis and county. A more localised breakdown is not available from this scheme at present. Consideration is being given to the more detailed area of residence coding and the possible implications this may have, for example, in relation to patient confidentiality.
On the incidence of cancer I have established a group to consider the practical aspects of establishing a national tumour registry which will provide detailed information on the prevalence of cancer including lung cancer in the community.