asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a medical research report into the adverse effects of central heating in high rise dwellings carried out in Woodenburgh, Germany and in Zurich; that these reports have indicated that central heating in high rise dwellings can cause an increase of respiratory tract diseases; and whether he will consider setting up or financing a research team to investigate the adverse effects of central heating in high rise dwellings in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Central Heating Effects.
28.
I have already indicated in reply to a previous question by the Deputy that I have seen a report on a survey of office conditions in Zurich. I have no information about a report on central heating in high rise dwellings in Woodenburgh, Germany, or, indeed, that there is any such place.
In my reply of 27th October, 1971, I suggested to the Deputy that if he thought there was a particularly high incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in the Ballymun area he should submit his evidence on the subject to the chief medical officer of the Eastern Health Board. I understand that the chief medical officer has not received any such evidence from the Deputy. As this is primarily a local matter I would suggest again to the Deputy that he should pursue it with the Eastern Health Board.
I do not think that the establishment of a research team to investigate the effect of central heating in high-rise dwellings in Dublin is warranted.
I should like to point out that the name of the town in Germany is Wuttenburg. Surely the Minister is aware of a detailed survey carried out recently which indicated a 30 per cent increase in the incidence of respiratory tract diseases in people living in centrally heated flats in buildings more than three storeys high in that area? If the Minister is unaware of this fact, I suggest he should be aware of it——
Has the Deputy a question to put?
I am putting the Minister right with regard to the particular town in Germany. I should like to ask the Minister if he seriously considers that this problem refers solely to Ballymun? Is the Minister aware that the Department of Local Government are encouraging the erection of similar buildings in St. Michael's estate, Inchicore, in Kilbarrack, in Cork, and in Galway? If the Minister does not finance a research team to investigate the effects of central heating on respiratory tract diseases, it will become a widespread problem. The Minister is well aware of the facilities of a DMO to forward documented evidence to the chief medical officer in his area. This matter should not be treated lightly.
In reply to the Deputy, I have already answered his question. I have nothing more to add.
The Minister has not given me any answer.
Is the Minister aware that there has been a large volume of complaints about the central heating and the form of central heating in Ballymun and that the occupants of individual units there—houses and flats—have no control over the central heating? I have received many complaints regarding this matter during the years when I represented Ballyfermot because many of the people in Ballyfermot went to Ballymun——
That is a separate question.
It is a matter that is relevant to this question.