Vol. 439 No. 4
155 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent reported increases in TB cases in particular the 10 per cent rise in the Dublin area, the action, if any, he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that an increase of about 10 per cent in tuberculosis cases in the Eastern Health board area was reported in 1992. However, the preliminary indications for 1993 in the Eastern Health Board area show a decrease in the number of cases reported for that year.
A working party under the chairmanship of the Chief Medical Officer of my Department is at present examining all aspects of tuberculosis including notification, surveillance, treatment and contact tracing procedures. Their aim is to ensure that there is an appropriate framework to deal with all problems associated with tuberculosis. I expect the group to present its report to me in the very near future. The Deputy can be assured that I will act promptly on the findings of the working party.
