Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 5

Written Answers. - Advisory Groups.

Willie Penrose

Question:

36 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the discussions and outcomes of meetings which the CJD Advisory Group has held recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30163/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

The CJD Advisory Group was established to advise the Minister for Health and Children on all issues relating to CJD, and to provide advice on particular issues referred to the group from time to time.

The CJD Advisory Group meets approximately once every two months. To date this year, there have been seven meetings of the group with the most recent meeting taking place in September, at which a wide range of issues was discussed including surveillance of CJD; vCJD and minimising the risk of transmission; CJD and blood; CJD and BSE issues, and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy and food supplements.

The CJD group keeps these and other relevant issues under constant review and I would be happy to make the minutes of the recent meetings available to the Deputy, if he so wishes.