asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of each of the years 1968, 1969 and 1970 the number of children born in this country suffering from spina-bifida.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Disease.
7.
While no precise information as to the number of children born with this condition is available, the Spina-Bifida Committee, which was set up under the aegis of the National Rehabilitation Board is aware of the following number of survivors :—71 born in 1968, 96 born in 1969, 86 born in 1970.
It is estimated that, with improved surgical techniques, 70 per cent of those born with this condition, survive.
Did the Minister state in his reply the number of children who survived during those years or was it the number of children born suffering from the ailment?
We have no precise information about the number of children born with this condition. The information I gave is in regard to the number of survivors for the three years.
Is the Minister aware that, without having the figure for the number of children born with this disease, we do not know the percentage that are surviving as a result of the improved surgical techniques? Will the Minister look into this to see if a register can be compiled of those born suffering from this disease?
My information is that statistics to show the actual number born with this disease are not available. All that is known is that the survival rate is approximately 70 per cent. The Deputy can work on that.
8.
asked the Minister for Health the number of children suffering from fibrocystic disease in this country.
Information concerning the number of people in Ireland suffering from cystic fibrosis is not available. It is estimated that cystic fibrosis occurs in not more than 60 new cases per year in this country. Most of these die from unpreventable causes in infancy or early childhood.
Would it not be possible for the Minister to have consulted with the Fibrocystic Society to try and ascertain some figure as to the number of children suffering from this disease with a view to making available to them completely free medical services? The Minister stated on a previous occasion that for those suffering from long-term illnesses — and fibrocystic disease is one of those—completely free health services would be provided? How will he be in a position to finance this if he has not taken steps to find out the number of children or people suffering from this disease?
Surely the most important thing from the Minister's and the patients' point of view is that treatment would be provided? I think the Minister has dealt quite clearly with his proposal to provide free services from next October. Does it matter how many there are as long as they are getting the treatment?
With respect, it is relatively difficult to find out what groups will be coming in under the scheme for complete medical services. I feel it would be a help to the Minister's Department if he knew the approximate number he would be providing this free service for.
9.
asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of people suffering from epilepsy in this country.
Accurate statistics of the incidence of epilepsy in this country are not available, but it is generally accepted that it affects approximately 0.5 per cent of the population in one form or another.
Could the Minister say what authority he has that it is generally accepted that this percentage of the population are affected?
This is the conclusion of the Committee of Inquiry on Mental Illness published in 1966.
Can the Minister's Department not obtain some figure for the number of people affected by epilepsy, or syncope, in this country? Surely the Minister should be in a position to give an accurate figure?
I am sure the Minister accepted the conclusion of the commission as being reasonably accurate.