Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 211: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the provision of information will be promoted to sufferers or families of young asthmatics to minimise the risk of attacks in view of the fact that Ireland has the fourth highest rate of asthmatics in the world; and if she will make a statement on whether studies may be initiated here to add to the body of knowledge that exists regarding the causes of asthma. [3719/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There are a number of factors which contribute to the development of asthma. It is generally accepted, not only in Ireland but in the western world in general, that there is a requirement for further research on the many causes of asthma, in particular those relating to genetics and the environment. On this basis, Ireland hosted and actively participated in the European Union's joint research council childhood asthma initiative last year which is continuing to provide further research information on asthma and its causes. Ireland also participates in international prevalence studies and additional work is ongoing on the development of further information systems on asthma. In recent years, the Health Research Board has received and funded a number of proposals relating to asthma and respiratory disease. There is scope for further funding when the Health Research Board announces its project and programme grant scheme in the coming months. There are no plans at present to initiate an information campaign as suggested by the Deputy but I will keep the matter under review.