Ivor Callely
Question:102 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the mechanism, if any, in place to monitor CJD; if he has satisfied himself that adequate monitoring is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8498/97]
Written Answers. - CJD Surveillance System.
Limerick East): Within recents months, I have taken several measures in relation to the monitoring and surveillance of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, CJD. In September last, I established an expert group to advise me on the public health dimension of developments in relation to CJD and other similar diseases. The group consists of experts in disciplines relevant to this subject, including neurology, neuropathology, public health, veterinary medicine and microbiology. It is chaired by Professor William Hall, Director of the Virus Reference Laboratory and Professor of Microbiology in University College, Dublin. The remit of the group is to advise me on CJD related matters, including surveillance, research strategies and international developments generally in this area.
Surveillance of CJD is a priority to establish the true incidence of the disease and to determine any changes in the pattern or nature of its occurrence. The Deputy may be aware that I have announced the established of a national active CJD surveillance system. The aims of the surveillance project are to build a database of information on CJD cases in Ireland and to provide a facility to medical practitioners for the vertification of suspected cases of the disease. Two reference centres have been designated — Beaumont and Cork University Hospitals — to which all clinically suspected cases of CJD can be referred for further analysis and confirmation. The surveillance project also involves the compilation of an information database on CJD cases in Ireland. This surveillance system corresponds broadly with the systems operating in other countries, including several EU member states.
I recently made regulations under the Health Act, 1947, which have the effect of making CJD and new variant-CJD notifiable diseases. This means that all diagnosed cases of CJD and nv-CJD are now compulsorily notifiable to my Department and ensure that we have full knowledge of the incidence of the disease in the country.
I and my Department are giving serious consideration to the public health aspects of CJD. I am confident that the above measures which I have taken, with the availability of expert advice, will ensure that we have an informed basis on which to consider the CJD issue.