Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 5

Written Answers. - Asthma Register.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

92 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health whether he has prepared a register of asthma incidence nationwide; the analysis, if any, that has been carried out; and if so, the outcome of this research, particularly in view of the expensive and often life long burden on families of those affected and the perception that regional clusters exist which may indicate avoidable causes for this growing epidemic. [4820/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Asthma is not a notifiable disease and most cases are treated by GPs rather than in hospitals. In addition, it is difficult to determine a precise medical definition of asthma; the term can cover a range of respiratory conditions including bronchitis.

For these reasons detailed information on the nationwide incidence of the condition is not available.