Vol. 519 No. 6
40 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the role of the National Disease Surveillance Centre; the issues of concern brought to his attention in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14387/00]
The National Disease Surveillance Centre was established in October 1998. Initially, it will be responsible for the surveillance of communicable diseases, such as meningitis, tuberculosis and foodborne diseases such as salmonella and e.coli 0157. Its functions include collaboration with and supporting the health boards in the control of infectious disease, the development of guidelines and protocols and undertaking research.
The centre will also collaborate closely with other units and agencies in the country such as my Department, hospital consultant microbiologists and consultants in infectious diseases, Environmental health officers, veterinarians and the Food Safety Authority. It will also establish links with national disease surveillance bodies in other countries to ensure the exchange of latest knowledge and research outcomes.
The concerns expressed to me by the chairman and director of the centre in relation to the decision to locate it in the midland region relate principally to the position of staff who may not wish to relocate from Dublin and to whether the centre could function as effectively if sited outside Dublin as it could if it remained in the capital. I am considering the points which they made and I will communicate with them as soon as possible.
