asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, in view of the deficiency of calcium in the average diet at present, to which has been attributed the increase in the incidence of tuberculosis, he will consider the desirability of increasing, by 50 per cent., the ration of milk, butter and eggs for persons undergoing sanatorium treatment, and for persons known to the local authority to be suffering from tuberculosis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Diet of Sanatorium Patients.
In reply to the first part of the Deputy's question, I would point out that a firm determination of the calcium content of the average diet cannot be reached pending the results of further investigation of the average nutritional state. Similarly, the relationship of calcium deficiency to tuberculosis remains to be determined, and I can only state at this stage that the investigation of the complex biochemical processes involved in this scientific problem is being pursued.
With regard to the latter part of the question, I would inform the Deputy that, in the case of institutions under the control of a local authority for the treatment of tuberculosis, a dietary scale has been sanctioned which is considered to be adequate for the needs of the patients. The approved diet includes three pints of milk per day, 14 ozs. of butter per week, and seven eggs per week. Where local authorities have experienced any difficulty in maintaining adequate foods of this nature for patients, it has been my practice to take the matter up with the Minister for Supplies with a view to ensuring adequate supplies for persons undergoing treatment.
I would also point out that, under the tuberculosis domiciliary welfare schemes of local authorities, there is provision for the granting of extra nourishment by the provision of eggs, butter and milk for persons undergoing dispensary or domiciliary treatment. The quantities of these foods which are allocated are 3½ pints of milk per week, ½lb. of butter per week, and seven eggs per week.