asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to carry out a survey to determine the cause of the high level of still births occurring in Dundalk, County Louth, as indicated by recent research work (details supplied).
Written Answers. - Dundalk Still Birth Rates.
151.
I have examined the report referred to in the context of the national statistics on still births for 1986. However, I have a number of reservations on its conclusions which were based on a very small sample of the total number of cases.
An analysis of the national statistics for 1986 and previous years does show that while in the years up to 1985, the still birth rate for County Louth was higher than the national figure, in 1985 and 1986 the rate for County Louth was lower than the national figure.
I have been in touch with the director of community care and medical officer of health and I will continue to monitor the position regarding still births in the area concerned and I will take whatever action which is shown to be necessary.