Finian McGrath
Question:615 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1059/03]
Written Answers. - Human Health Survey.
I have arranged to meet with the family concerned on 12 February 2003.
With regard to the concerns of the family referred to by the Deputy in relation to adverse human health in the Askeaton area, a multiagency investigation, co-ordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was carried out into health problems at Askeaton. The investigation included a number of human health studies to determine if the health of people living in the area was different to that of residents in surrounding counties and, if so, whether the difference could be attributed to environmental pollution. The results of the human health survey did not support a link to any form of local environmental pollution. The study did not find a significant degree of excessive ill health in the Askeaton area and it concluded that there was little basis for the concern that the problems in the area represented a threat to human health.
A further study carried out by the National Cancer Registry examined cancer data relating to the Askeaton area covering the period from 1994 to 1999. The results of the examination indicates that cancer rates in the Mid-Western Health Board area from 1994 to 1999 were lower than the national average and that cancer rates in the Askeaton study areas 1 and 2 from 1994 to 1999 were lower than the Mid-Western Health Board average and conformed to national and regional patterns by cause. The data as examined by the National Cancer Registry do not support a hypothesis that the incidence of cancer in the Askeaton region is higher than would be expected based on either Mid-Western Health Board or national cancer incidence rates.
The Mid-Western Health Board carried out an inquiry into the issue of missing samples in relation to the family concerned and a copy of the report of the inquiry group was given to the family. The report indicates that routine tests were carried out on some samples and that results of these tests were reported to the clinicians involved. The report concluded that a combination of errors, both human and of the systems involved, had contributed to the problem. The report made a number of recommendations including the need for improvements in the receipt, tracking, testing and storage of samples at the pathology laboratory in Limerick Regional Hospital. The Mid-Western Health Board has advised my Department that it is actively pursuing the implementation of all the recommendations contained in the report. Against this background, I have no plans at present to initiate a public inquiry regarding this issue.
The Mid-Western Health Board has indicated that some untested samples from the family concerned are being stored awaiting instructions from the family physician as to what testing is required.
At a meeting with the family in November 2001, I indicated that they should request their GP to organise for an independent assessment of their current health status, which would be funded by my Department. My Department is awaiting a response in relation to this issue.