Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tuberculosis Statistics.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

88 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health the current bed requirement for patients suffering from tuberculosis; the number of beds occupied at present; the number available; the number of patients under active treatment in the last two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The concept of a specific bed requirement for the treatment of patients suffering from tuberculosis is no longr relevant in the context of modern medical practice. The condition can now be treated in any general hospital; not all patients require inpatient care as many can have their treatment supervised on an out-patient basis.

Information is not available to me on the number of beds currently occupied by patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. The number of new cases notified to my Department was 635 in 1991 and 604 in 1992. The 1993 figure has not yet been finalised.

I might mention that a working party under the chairmanship of the Chief Medical Officer of my Department is currently examining all aspects of the preventive and treatment services for tuberculosis.