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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1969

Vol. 243 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - TB Incidence.

32.

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.

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.

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