Trevor Sargent
Question:135 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health whether an article (details supplied) relating to BSE is factually correct. [24569/96]
Written Answers. - BSE Report.
Trevor Sargent
Question:136 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report submitted to the chief medical officer of his Department entitled Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy - a study of its epidemiology and its relevance to public health by a doctor (details supplied); his views on a statement contained in the report that it must be assumed that all beef is not safe to eat; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a similar report was written by the doctor in 1990; and if any attempt was made to seek clarification from the doctor's employers, the North-Eastern Health Board, as to the source of the doctor's research. [24570/96]
Trevor Sargent
Question:137 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the pressure, if any, which was brought to bear on a person (details supplied) to resign from his position due to his public comments on BSE; and whether the individual is barred by the relevant health board from speaking on BSE and from carrying out further research on the subject. [24571/96]
Trevor Sargent
Question:138 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) had warned that vertical transmission of BSE between cow and calf was likely prior to its acceptance by the scientific community in July 1996; and if this individual's report was validated by external or independent experts. [24572/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 136, 137 and 138 together.
I am aware that a copy of the material prepared by the individual in question was sent to the chief medical officer of my Department who acknowledged receipt on 9 May 1996.
In April this year, I asked for a report from the Food Safety Advisory Board, FSAB, on the issue of BSE and the possible link with CJD and, more particularly, with new variant CID, nvCJD. The report reviewed the available evidence at that time and was satisfied that all necessary precautions were in place. However, the FSAB was aware that further information was emerging and called for measures to monitor this and for more research.
At my request, the FSAB has been keeping the position under review and has considered all the new research evidence and other material available on the subject, including the material to which the Deputy refers and the report by Professor Anderson, July 1996, which suggested the possibility of maternal transmission. In addition, I have established an expert advisory group on CJD for the purpose of advising me on all medical, scientific and public health questions relating to this disease and on research strategies.
I have also established an active national surveillance system for CJD, based around two national reference centres in Beaumont and Cork University Hospitals. This system is designed to increase awareness of the disease and to improve reporting arrangements. In that context, I have also designated CJD and nvCJD as notifiable diseases.
As to the question of pressure being brought to bear on a person to resign, I point out to the Deputy that staff matters are an executive function of the chief executive officer of each health board under the Health act and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in such issues. If the person concerned has any grievance he should raise it with the chief executive officer of the health board, but I understand that no such grievance has been raised to date.