Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Infectious Diseases.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

82 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has recently received advice on a noticeable increase in certain infectious and communicable diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26968/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The Infectious Diseases Regulations, 1981, specify those diseases which are statutorily notifiable to my Department and the powers and responsibilities of health boards in relation to their prevention and control.

A wide range of public health issues arise in relation to infectious diseases and policy in this area is guided by the appropriate expert advice and by international best practice. The incidence of the notifiable conditions is monitored and, together with other factors, is taken into account when policy is being considered. My Department receives advice from expert committees on certain infectious disease issues, including policy in relation to immunisation, bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis and CJD – Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. In the current year, the conditions for which the number of notifications represents an increase over the 1998 level include bacterial meningitis, including meningococcal septicaemia, food poisoning, bacterial other than salmonella, and viral hepatitis type A.

The National Disease Surveillance Centre was established in October 1998 and will significantly enhance our capabilities to monitor communicable diseases. Initially, it will be responsible for the surveillance of communicable diseases, such as meningitis, tuberculosis and foodborne diseases such as salmonella and e.coli O157. Its functions include collaboration with and supporting the health boards in the control of infectious disease, the development of guidelines and protocols and undertaking research.