Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 1

Written Answers. - Asthma Statistics.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

131 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the assessment that has been conducted by his Department regarding the increased number of young people and adults suffering from asthma in this country; the estimated cost to the public health service in each of the years 1991 to 1993; and the plans, if any, he has to offer further advice and information to patients and their families.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Asthma is not a notifiable disease and most cases are treated by general practitioners rather than in hospital. Detailed information on the number of people suffering from the condition is therefore not available nor is it possible to isolate the specific cost of asthma to the public health services.

My Department's Health Promotion Unit has provided financial support to the Asthma Society of Ireland. During 1994, funding will issue for publication of a new leaflet "Asthma and Pregnancy" and for a reprint of a general awareness leaflet "Asthma — Take it in Your Stride".