Bernard Allen
Question:429 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a national registration system to report infectious diseases will be in place. [23847/00]
Written Answers. - Infectious Disease Regulations.
The Infectious Disease Regulations, 1981, and subsequent amendments provide the basis for the reporting of infectious diseases in Ireland. Under the regulations a medical practitioner must notify in writing the appropriate health board of each case of infectious disease as soon as he or she becomes aware of or suspects such a case. On a weekly basis each health board furnishes to the National Disease Surveillance Centre a return of the cases of infectious diseases notified in its functional area.
The National Disease Surveillance Centre – NDSC – was established in 1998 and its principal function is the surveillance of communicable diseases. Its other functions include the provision of advice to my Department on a range of infectious disease issues, collaboration with and supporting the health boards in the control of infectious disease, the development of guidelines and protocols and undertaking research.
A review of the Infectious Disease Regu lations, 1981, was initiated by my Department in 1999 and the advice of the NDSC has been sought on a number of issues, including the range of diseases which are statutorily notifiable. My Department will consider the NDSC's recommendations when they are received.