Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 3

Written Answers - Incidence of Tuberculosis.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the incidence of tuberculosis in each of the past five years; whether the evidence suggests the need for a new campaign to combat the problem; the proposals, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The number of cases of tuberculosis notified to my Department is as follows:

Year	Number of Cases
1992	604
1991	640
1990	629
1989	672
1988	550

Information in respect of 1993 is presently being collected and is not yet available.

A working party under the chairmanship of the chief medical officer of my Department is presently examining all aspects of tuberculosis including notification, surveillance, treatment and contact tracing procedures. Their aim is to ensure that there is an appropriate framework to deal with all problems associated with tuberculosis. I expect the group to prevent its report to me in the very near future. The Deputy can be assured that I will act promptly on the findings of the working party.