Written Answers. - Report on Diethylstilbestrol (DES).
James McDaid
Question:
79
Dr. McDaid
asked the
Minister for Health
if he has studied the report cosponsored by DES Action/The Netherlands and the Irish Council for the Status of Women on DES, Diethylstilbestrol; and if so, whether he has any comment to make on the report.
Gerry O'Sullivan
Question:
88
Mr. G. O'Sullivan
asked the
Minister for Health
if he intends to encourage the registration of all DES cases in the light of the emerging chronic effect this drug is having on the daughters of mothers who took it; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 91 and 102 together. I would refer the Deputies to previous statements which I have made to the House in relation to DES and in particular to my statement on 6 December 1990 (Official Report, volume 403, No. 6, columns 1597-1601).
With regard to the report on DES cosponsored by the Council for the Status of Women and DES Action, I was formally presented with a copy of the report last Thursday, 2 May 1991. I welcome the publication of the report which I have studied with particular interest. The Council for the Status of Women have had meetings with officials of my Department and with the previous Minister of State at the Department of Health in relation to this matter.
I am satisfied that the steps already taken are a positive response to provide for the needs of those affected by DES. At the same time myself and my officials will continue to monitor the situation and will maintain contact with the council on an ongoing basis. Indeed, when receiving the report, I invited representatives of the council to meet with me for further discussion on the issues involved.
Regarding the registration of DES cases, because of the lack of medical records, it would prove extremely difficult to establish a register of those persons who may have been prescribed DES during pregnancy in the period between the 1940s and early 1970s.
However, as I indicated previously, I am concerned to ensure that appropriate medical care would be provided to daughters and sons who may be affected as a result of their mothers having taken this drug. To this end, my Department have worked in co-operation with the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in the production of a comprehensive information leaflet on DES for distribution to medical practitioners. This will assist in identifying those people who may have DES related problems and ensure appropriate medical care.
In addition a special unit has been established at the National Maternity Hospital to whom those suspected of DES related problems may be referred and where appropriate care and treatment are available. The referral of patients to this unit will, of course, assist in identifying those affected as a consequence of DES and provide useful information on the extent of the numbers of those involved.
