asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a statement (details supplied) to the effect that pulmonary tuberculosis is on the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
4.
I have read the reported statement referred to in the question and also a fuller article on the subject by the same medical officer in a recent issue of a medical journal.
It will be noted that it is stressed in the statement that the figures in respect of the year 1970 on which the conclusions are based are provisional. I expect to have the relevant final figures for 1970 from the health boards shortly. In the meantime it would be premature for me to comment in detail upon the incidence of the disease in 1970. The provisional figures referred to were collected by my Department for the purpose of a discussion with chief medical officers held earlier this year which reviewed a number of aspects of the anti-tuberculosis campaign.
In spite of the impressive progress which has been made it is generally accepted that there is no room for complacency in regard to tuberculosis. The need still remains for continued efforts to combat this disease.
Would the Minister agree that the number of first cases of tuberculosis now being notified shows a higher age average than heretofore?
I have not seen the breakdown. Therefore, I could not comment on it at this stage. As I have said, we are to examine the position after we get the final figures. In March last officers of my Department discussed with the chief medical officers, the whole question of tuberculosis to see whether any further measures were needed and how the first campaign was proceeding. The Deputy can take it for granted that we are not adopting a complacent attitude towards the disease although the number of cases notified has shown an enormous reduction during the past ten years.