Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 2

Written Answers. - TB Statistics.

Liam Burke

Question:

182 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of TB patients registered with the Southern Health Board at 31 January for each year from 1987 to 1993; the financial allocation made for the treatment of this infectious disease for each of those years; his views on the schemes and whether an increase in finance is required to deal with the recent escalation in TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The number of new cases of tuberculosis notified to the Southern Health Board in each of the years since 1987 is as follows:

Year to 31st December	No. of Cases
1987	81
1988	91
1989	94
1990	86
1991	109
1992	86

It is not possible to quantify the cost of treatment of tuberculosis to the Southern Health Board since treatment is an integral part of the board's health and welfare services. All tuberculosis patients are entitled to free treatment and drugs and may qualify for a means tested payment under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations, 1992.

The number of tuberculosis cases in the Southern Health Board has decreased from 109 in 1991 to 86 in 1992.

I am satisfied that the resources available to the Southern Region are adequate to cope with the current level of tuberculosis.

My Department's policy in relation to tuberculosis is being examined by a working party under the chairmanship of the Chief Medical Officer of my Department. The group is examining all aspects of tuberculosis including notification, surveillance, treatment and contact erasing procedures. Their main aim will be to ensure that there is an appropriate framework to deal with all problems associated with tuberculosis.