This is in response to a matter raised by a well respected GP in the Dundalk locality, Dr. Mary Grehan, who from time to time has given us the benefit of various studies and analyses she has carried out in relation to a considerable practice in the Dundalk area. On previous occasions she has brought forward data which caused concern to her and other GPs in the area. I raised in the House over two years ago issues of concern that had been brought to my attention by Dr. Grehan and others. It is my recollection a commitment was given that some examination would take place but it has not.
This week Dr. Grehan has produced a further study in relation to what she considers disquieting trends in her practice. The study carried out showed a much higher than average vitamin and enzyme deficiency in the town. The Minister should give a commitment that his Department will look at the figures produced and will put in place, as previously promised, a multi-disciplinary study of the issues being examined by Dr. Grehan and another doctor in the practice.
I do not wish to be alarmist but the data produced by Dr. Grehan would lead one to suspect there is something amiss and it needs to be investigated. The results from the study of 300 patients show that 39.6 per cent had vitamin B12 and alkaline phosphate levels below acceptable levels. She further found from a preliminary analysis of another 700 people that there were similar trends in that regard but they needed to be looked at in more detail. The doctor said that vitamin B12 deficiency is usually associated with poor nutrition and with patients in the 70 years and over category; people who would normally be disadvantaged, perhaps elderly people at the lower end of the income scale. Apparently, according to the doctor's data, this phenomenon has appeared in a range of patients at all levels of society, people who would have a very healthy diet normally.
It is a matter which, according to Dr. Grehan, has subsequently manifested itself in congenital considerations. She suggests that it needs to be looked at in greater detail by the Department. A study must be undertaken in relation to births in the area to see if these deficiencies are being passed on. The root cause of the deficiency should be sought and examined by the Department. There are suggestions that it may be related to a deterioration in the environment. I do not know if that is the case and I do not wish to be alarmist in relation to a matter that could dramatically affect my constituency.
The Department needs to study the matter. The Minister should undertake that a broad-ranging study will be carried out, encompassing parents and new born babies, to see how the phenomenon is manifesting itself. There are some figures which might lead one to suggest there is a higher incidence of deformities in this area. The Minister must take this matter seriously.
