asked the Minister for Health if any special research is being carried out in Irish medical schools into the incidence of multiple sclerosis and spina bifida ailments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Diseases.
17.
No research project in regard to the incidence of these diseases is being financed in medical schools from moneys at the disposal of my Department.
The Spina Bifida Committee set up under the aegis of the National Rehabilitation Board is organising the follow-up of spina bifida patients to ensure that continuing treatment, rehabilitation training and education is made available in a systematic way.
It is estimated that about 200 children are born with spina bifida each year. About 580 cases are on the books of the committee.
The number of cases of multiple sclerosis known to the Multiple Sclerosis Association is approximately 650. A medical expert with special experience in dealing with cases of the disease has estimated that there are about 2,000 cases in the country.
Will the Minister not agree that the amount contributed by his Department for medical research is such as not to permit any medical research into those conditions?
In fact, a country of this size has to rely on research from other countries to a very considerable degree. Amounts are provided for medical research, as the Deputy knows, in accordance with our ability to find the necessary finance.
It might more readily be described as research on a shoe string.