Vol. 527 No. 1
105 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if the task force established to examine a range of issues relating to diabetes mellitus here has been explicitly asked to come forward with recommendations for a programme which will lead to full diagnosis of diabetes mellitus among all sufferers in the entire population; when the taskforce is due to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27911/00]
The task force which the Deputy refers to is the Irish St. Vincent Declaration Action Group which was established by the Irish Endocrine Society, in 1995, to examine a range of issues relating to diabetes mellitus in Ireland. It is representative of a broad range of groups working with diabetes, and my Department has observer status.
It is anticipated that the group's report will include a review of current knowledge of the condition in Ireland, an examination of existing facilities and developments, and recommendations in relation to necessary developments in the service. My Department is currently liaising with the chairman of the group to arrange the formal presentation of the report. The report's recommendations will form the basis for an overall policy on this important public health issue.
