Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 1

Written Answers. - Diabetes Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

200 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of diabetes in each health board area at August 1999, January 1999 and 1994; the way in which these statistics are calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19552/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give details regarding the task force on diabetes; when the results of the working group will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19553/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

202 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the terms of reference for the diabetes task force; if they include a calculation of the cost implications of diabetes and of secondary conditions for sufferers to the overall health budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19554/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 to 202, inclusive, together.

The statistical information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department and comprehensive information is not available at health board level. However, in general it is estimated that between 2 per cent and 3 per cent of the population has diabetes, the majority of whom suffer from non-insulin dependent diabetes.

The task force to which the Deputy refers is the Irish St. Vincent declaration action group which was established by the Irish Endocrine Society in 1995. It is representative of a broad range of groups working with diabetes. I understand the report of the group will be submitted to the Department in the near future, and it is anticipated that it will include a review of current knowledge of the condition in Ireland. This is likely to consist of an examination of existing facilities and developments, with recommendations in relation to necessary developments in services. I look forward to receiving this report.