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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Autism Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

268 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for the specialised diets and treatments required for autism sufferers tested positive for the measles virus; if research is proposed into the biomedical aspects of autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17937/02]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

271 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided for the specialised diets and treatments required for autism sufferers tested positive for the measles virus; if research is proposed into the biomedical aspects of autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17940/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 271 together.

Extensive research has and continues to be conducted worldwide in relation to the MMR vaccine. The World Health Organisation has indicated that MMR vaccine does not cause autism and that there has been no new scientific evidence that would suggest impaired safety of MMR. The WHO strongly endorses the use of MMR vaccine on the grounds of its convincing record of safety and efficacy. The international consensus from professional bodies and international organisations is that MMR is a safe and effective vaccine and that the recently published research does not support a causal link between MMR and autism or inflammatory bowel disease. Earlier this year, newspaper articles alleging a link between MMR vaccine and autism referred to a study by Professor John O'Leary into measles virus. In response to these articles Professor O'Leary issued a statement indicating that the research referred to in no way establishes any link between the vaccine and autism. He further indicated that he and his research team have consistently advocated the use of MMR vaccine to protect the nation's children from measles, mumps and rubella.

There is no universally accepted policy for screening children with autism for a variety of hypothetical disorders. The quality standards subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology – approved 9 June 2000 – states as regards diagnostic testing: "There is inadequate supporting evidence for hair analysis, coeliac antibodies, allergy testing (particularly food allergies for gluten, casein, candida and other molds), immunologic or neurochemical abnormalities, micronutrients such as vitamin levels, intestinal permeability studies, stool analysis, urinary peptides, mitochondrial disorders (including lactate and pyruvate), thyroid function tests, or erythrocyte flurathione peroxidase studies." There are diagnostic and treatment services available within the health services generally to assist persons who have health problems which may require to be addressed through dietary interventions. These are available to children with autism through the usual referral channels. Assistance with dietary needs may also be available in certain circumstances through the supplementary welfare scheme which is operated by the health boards on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

My Department has made funding amounting to €190,000 over a three year period available to the Health Research Board to commission research into autism and intestinal dysfunction. This funding has been awarded to a team led by Professor O'Leary. The aim of the research is to characterise the biology of gastrointestinal abnormalities in people with autism and to examine any discrepancies between them and patients with conventional intestinal disorders.

Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 89.

Question No. 270 answered with Question No. 89.

Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 268.

Question No. 272 answered with Question No. 97.

Question No. 273 answered with Question No. 85.

Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 98.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 86.

Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 102.

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