Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The expectation of the response indicated by the Minister of State should not dissuade us from forwarding a very sound case for the inclusion of specific questions that could help inform not only Deputies and Senators but also, and most important, wider society. I instanced diabetes and asthma. Surely the information gleaned thereon would inform the health authorities, including the HSE and Department of Health and Children. Does the Minister of State agree? The information might also inform people within the pharmaceutical sector on specific needs. One could add a number of other conditions that are very much in evidence in Irish society, including coeliac disease, with a view to identifying the particular dietary needs of the people, in respect of which there is no proper presentation or marketing. People have insufficient information on such conditions until such time as they become acutely aware of them. There is a range of other questions that could inform a raft of different interests and areas in a cross-societal response to these particular needs. I strongly encourage an exploration of what is possible for inclusion in the 2011 census. I welcome the Minister of State's indication that he will check if the HSE was directly consulted. If any consultation took place, what was its outcome? Are there elements of the questions in the 2011 census that will get the information I am seeking?

See this speech in context