asked the Minister for Health if there has been an increase or decrease in the number of cases of tuberculosis reported to his Department in the past five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis Cases.
9.
The number of new cases of tuberculosis reported to the Department of Health during each of the past five years is as follows: 1978, 1,151; 1979, 1,086; 1980, 1,152; 1981, 1,019; 1982, 975.
It will be noted that the number of new cases reported does not show any marked fluctuations in the incidence of tuberculosis during the five years in question.
Are not the statistics which the Minister has given a little misleading as to the incidence of TB? It depends on what basis you are starting from. The last statistic in relation to mortality from tuberculosis in Ireland, prepared by the Central Statistics Office, showed that we had the highest death rate from tuberculosis of any country within the EEC.
A question Deputy, please.
It was 5.6 deaths per 100,000 as against 1.3 in the Netherlands which has the lowest rate. Have the Department any explanation of this relatively high death rate compared with other countries in the EEC?
Currently I am examining the general tuberculosis policy with the organisations concerned. I propose to issue guidelines to health boards and hospitals as soon as possible. I share the Deputy's concern. The policy on the pasteurisation of milk is still being pursued vigorously by my Department. Raw milk can be a vehicle for several diseases including tuberculosis. Of major importance is the eradication of the disease in cattle which causes a major TB problem in human beings. I have asked the medical officers and the local veterinary officers to liaise on a more effective basis.
Did the Minister hear about the number of new outbreaks of TB in the Listowel Area of County Kerry? A big number has been noted there in the past 12 months and this is of great concern to the people of County Kerry.
I will contact the district medical officer and come back to the Deputy on the matter.
Has the Minister any breakdown on the regions? There seems to be a marked difference in various regions in the incidence of TB. I missed one of the Minister's figures, but it seems there is no decrease in the incidence of TB. Does the Minister think the reason for the failure to reduce the incidence of TB is the continued existence of TB in cattle? Is that a major factor?
The incidence of new cases of TB has levelled off in recent years. None of us is satisfied with the current plateau. I will find out the exact regional breakdown and I will send the information to the Deputy. It is essential that people should avail of the BCG vaccination, that there should be very early treatment of cases, and that we eradicate TB in cattle.