asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the extent of venereal disease in Ireland in each of the past five years; and the educational programmes, if any, undertaken by his Department or the health boards in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Venereal Disease.
17.
Venereal diseases are notifiable infectious diseases and the numbers of cases notified in the past five years are set out in a tabular statement which I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate, with the Official Report.
With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, I am not aware of any formal educational programmes being undertaken at present in this matter. A special committee, representative of my Department and the health boards, has been examining all aspects of the question and is expected to submit recommendations shortly. When I have received the report of this committee, I will consider what measures by way of educational programmes or otherwise, are necessary in present circumstances in relation to these diseases.
Following is the statement:
Number of cases of venereal disease notified over the past five years.
|
Year |
Number |
|
1968 |
1,577 |
|
1969 |
1,309 |
|
1970 |
1,350 |
|
1971 |
1,283 |
|
1972 |
1,629 |
Is the Minister aware that the figures supplied to him by the Department are not, in fact, accurate figures in so far as notification is a very lax procedure? Secondly, could I ask the Minister if it is a fact that educational programmes providing information on these diseases are prohibited under the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act?
No, I do not think so because while some health boards have not a programme such as the programme to which the Deputy refers, in respect of other health boards there are various types of programmes, such as lectures on the subject to doctors and teachers but, as I have said, a special committee of my Department and the health boards will be examining all aspects of the question and education, I am sure, will figure prominently in that examination. As far as general information is concerned I am not in a position to say whether or not the figures are accurate. Venereal disease is a notifiable disease but it is a very difficult matter to make people notify the disease to the health authority or to a doctor. The figures contained in the tabular statement show the cases that have been notified. I do not say that they necessarily represent the extent of the disease in the country. I am not in a position to say whether or not the extent of the disease is much worse than indicated in the figures before me.
I can tell the Minister that the position is very much worse than the figures would indicate. The Minister is aware that treatment for this condition is available free——
Could we have a question?
I was just getting to that. I was about to ask the Minister if in those circumstances the Minister would arrange for the provision of free treatment by private doctors so as to avoid the embarrassment people suffer when they have to attend public clinics for treatment. In that way the claims for fees by doctors would give a better indication of the position.
This is a long question.
Could I ask the Minister to consider this aspect?
It is not part of the question and is not relevant to my reply but, perhaps the Deputy would put down a question to me for next week and I will see what I can do.