asked the Minister for Health the trend in the incidence of TB, giving the proportion in each age group; and whether any special measures are contemplated to completely eradicate this disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - TB Incidence.
As the information in the first part of the question is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, to circulate it with the Official Report.
The information is in respect of the years 1964 to 1967 which is the latest year for which the tabulated information is available in my Department.
The present measures being taken in connection with tuberculosis are aimed at the eradication of the disease and no further special steps are at present contemplated. It will be noted that there is a continuing decline in the incidence of TB.
Following is the statement:
New Cases of Tuberculosis registered during the years 1964 to 1967 (inclusive)
Year |
Respiratory |
Non-Respiratory |
Grand Total |
||||
Male |
Female |
Total |
Male |
Female |
Total |
||
1964 |
1,027 |
690 |
1,717 |
182 |
279 |
461 |
2,178 |
1965 |
967 |
541 |
1,508 |
204 |
221 |
425 |
1,933 |
1966 |
990 |
547 |
1,537 |
169 |
222 |
391 |
1,928 |
1967 |
858 |
497 |
1,355 |
164 |
230 |
394 |
1,749 |
Cases classified by Sex and Age Groups
Tuberculosis—Respiratory
Males
Year |
0-14 years |
15-24 years |
25-34 years |
35-54 years |
over 54 years |
Total |
1964 |
125 |
136 |
126 |
322 |
318 |
1,027 |
1965 |
117 |
131 |
108 |
300 |
311 |
967 |
1966 |
141 |
140 |
101 |
304 |
304 |
990 |
1967 |
102 |
132 |
98 |
249 |
277 |
858 |
Tuberculosis—Respiratory
Females
Year |
0-14 years |
15-24 years |
25-34 years |
35-54 years |
over 54 years |
Total |
1964 |
101 |
156 |
114 |
205 |
114 |
690 |
1965 |
96 |
104 |
105 |
135 |
101 |
541 |
1966 |
118 |
117 |
69 |
143 |
100 |
547 |
1967 |
100 |
99 |
75 |
135 |
88 |
497 |
Tuberculosis—Non-Respiratory
Males
Year |
0-14 years |
15-24 years |
25-34 years |
35-54 years |
over 54 years |
Total |
1964 |
29 |
46 |
22 |
59 |
26 |
182 |
1965 |
40 |
33 |
32 |
67 |
32 |
204 |
1966 |
30 |
35 |
26 |
41 |
37 |
169 |
1967 |
28 |
24 |
23 |
47 |
42 |
164 |
Tuberculosis—Non-Respiratory
Females
Year |
0-14 years |
15-24 years |
25-34 years |
35-54 years |
over 54 years |
Total |
1964 |
32 |
58 |
68 |
70 |
51 |
279 |
1965 |
32 |
35 |
51 |
61 |
42 |
221 |
1966 |
26 |
41 |
47 |
60 |
48 |
222 |
1967 |
39 |
34 |
37 |
77 |
43 |
230 |
Does the Minister think the mass X-ray scheme is still justified?
I am advised that it is both justified and essential. As the Deputy knows, we have the free treatment, the mass X-ray, the voluntary investigation, the tuberculin testing, the BCG vaccination, isolation facilities, anti-tuberculosis drugs and a contact tracing system in actual cases of TB, and I think all these measures are steadily reducing the incidence of TB. There is no need, to my mind, to take any further action at the present time.
Is the Minister aware that the British Ministry for Health have decided to abandon the mass X-ray?
I have not adverted to that position.