Vol. 461 No. 3
70 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the research, if any, that has been carried out regarding the huge increases in respiratory infections over the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2833/96]
Limerick East): Respiratory infections which are notifiable to my Department include whooping cough, tuberculosis and influenzal pneumonia. The returns to my Department do not indicate an increase over the past six months.
While there have been no specific research projects carried out into increases in respiratory infections over the past six months I am, however, aware that the Virus Reference Laboratory has received some reports from GPs in the Dublin area regarding high levels of respiratory infection among their patients. This is being investigated by the laboratory. The outcome of these investigations is not yet available.
I should also point out that the ‘flu vaccine is available free of charge to GMS card holders in the at-risk categories from their general practitioner.
