Vol. 478 No. 4
60 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the anxiety felt by pupils when a fellow pupil dies suddenly of meningitis; and if he will consider recommending that health board staff speak to classes and groups of parents to explain and answer questions about the condition. [11222/97]
Limerick East): I am aware of the anxiety caused by such tragic events. In September 1996 my Department wrote to the Directors of Public Health in each health board drawing their attention to the level of public anxiety about meningitis which had arisen in recent years and asking them to consider what additional public information initiatives might be required in their area. At present all health boards provide a range of information to parents and teachers and work with schools to allay fears in whatever way possible. Nonetheless my Department will write to the boards again asking them to give special attention to the particular initiatives required to reassure parents and pupils about meningitis.
