asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, in view of the evidence of malnutrition in many parts of the country revealed from time to time in the reports of the county medical officers of health, and the absence of any reliable statistical data in regard to the prevalence and incidence of malnutrition in this country, he will set up a commission of inquiry to ascertain the facts in relation to malnutrition, including the minimum quantity of food required to ensure adequate nutrition, and, if so, when it is proposed to set up such a commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Malnutrition.
The investigations so far made in regard to the dietary of the people would not enable any definite conclusions to be drawn as to the state of nutrition. There is, however, no reason to believe that malnutrition exists to any great extent among the rural population.
It is hoped that with the spread of knowledge as regards food values, mainly through the school medical service and other welfare schemes, and as a result of instruction in gardening and cookery which is being made available through the vocational education schools, an improvement in dietary will be effected.
Reports from county medical officers of health tend to show that where school medical services and free milk and school meals schemes have been put into operation, the results can be seen in a short time in improved physical and nutritional condition of children.
The problem of malnutrition is not of such extent as to warrant investigation by a special commission.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the fact that reports which I have read from 22 county medical officers of health indicate that there is prevalent in the country an alarming degree of malnutrition, and that fact is commented upon by most of the 22 county medical officers of health in their annual reports? Is the Parliamentary Secretary further aware that it is not possible to obtain in this country any statistical data to indicate what minimum quantity of food is required to maintain in reasonable health a man, his wife and any defined number of children, although that statistical information can be obtained in respect to other countries? Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider appointing some commission or committee in conjunction with the medical profession to ascertain, for the information of public representatives and the nation generally, what minimum standard of food is required to maintain the bodily health of an average Irish family?
The conclusion to be drawn from reports submitted to the Department by ten medical officers of health, who function in areas predominantly rural, is that whilst there is no reason to believe that malnutrition exists to any great extent amongst the rural population, the general dietary calls for variety. There is not enough cream, vegetables, wholemeal, wheaten flour and fruit being consumed. The consumption of milk is low. From the information available in my Department, it appears that what is popularly looked upon as malnutrition is more often due to faulty metabolism rather than the absence of nutritious food. The Department have kept themselves fully acquainted with the work and investigations carried out under the auspices of the health organisations of the League of Nations. One of the medical inspectors in my Department was in fact assigned the task of making a preliminary investigation and report on the matter. I do not think that at the moment at any rate anything more effective can be done than we have done in relation to the problem.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary reply to the last portion of the supplementary question, namely, can we get an inquiry to ascertain what minimum standard of food is required to maintain in bodily health an average Irish family?
I think I will have to treat that as a separate question.
It is in the main question.
I am not in a position to give the Deputy any further information on that point.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary look into the matter and let me know his views later?
I will.