Vol. 504 No. 7
238 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to introduce the secretin treatment for children with autism which has proved very successful in the United Kingdom and the United States of America and in view of the fact parents here are anxious that their children might avail of it. [12904/99]
Secretin treatment for autism is still at the experimental stage. Clinical trials have yet to report on its efficacy and on the long-term side effects of using this treatment. Ultimately, a decision as to whether a particular treatment is introduced is a matter for clinical decision by doctors treating patients in light of clinical trial results, experience and what is considered best practice. My Department will continue, however, to follow any progress in relation to clinical trials and research in this area.
