Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 223: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if hospitals record alcohol related admissions; if her Department has statistics available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13418/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Statistics in regard to activity within the mental health services is contained in the Health Research Board publication Activities of Irish Psychiatric Services. It contains data on admissions to psychiatric hospitals by main diagnosis.

The hospital inpatient enquiry, HIPE, system is the principal source of national data on discharges from acute hospitals in Ireland. The HIPE system records the condition chiefly responsible for the patient's admission to hospital for care. Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause a wide variety of medical and psychiatric conditions which can be a reason for admission to hospital. Data to the effect that excessive alcohol consumption is a strong contributory factor in the case of such admissions is not routinely recorded on the HIPE system.

The Deputy may be aware of an alcohol and injuries pilot study which was commissioned by the health promotion unit of the Department of Health and Children and carried out in the Mater Hospital in 2001 by Dr. John Sheehan, consultant in liaison psychiatry. This study has been expanded to include six major hospitals in various locations throughout the country. The data collected during this study is being analysed at present and a report is expected to be published around mid-year.