Bernard Allen
Question:124 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the quality of screening for children attending schools where cases of tuberculosis are discovered. [23819/99]
Written Answers. - Tuberculosis Screening.
The health boards are statutorily responsible for the control and prevention of infectious disease. They are required to take such steps as are necessary or desirable for investigating the nature and source of any such infection, for preventing its spread and for removing conditions favourable to such infection. These principles would be applicable to the management of any occurrence of tuberculosis in a school setting.
The report of the working party on tuberculosis, which was published in 1996, contained detailed recommendations in relation to tuberculosis screening, including where the disease is detected in school pupils.
In relation to the recent outbreak in the Southern Health Board area, I have received a preliminary report from the board and this indicates that screening and treatment is being provided as necessary.