Vol. 405 No. 3
311 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of Addison's Disease which have been diagnosed in Ireland; if any research has been carried out to diagnose the cause of this disease; if any discussions have taken place between his Department, the Drug Advisory Board and any pharmaceutical manufacturing company; if his Department will assist sufferers of this disease in any special way; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
While my Department does not formally correlate information on the number of cases of Addison's disease diagnosed in this country, I am satisfied that the existing statutory schemes for general practitioner services, hospital services, drug cost refunds etc. cater adequately for the requirements of those suffering from Addison's disease.
As regards research on the cause of the disease, a number of studies were conducted under the aegis of the then Medical Research Council. In addition, such studies carried out internationally are, of course, also monitored.
No discussions have taken place between my Department, the National Drugs Advisory Board and any pharmaceutical manufacturing company on this issue.
