Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 67: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the huge increase in asthma figures in children; her further views on whether indoor air pollution is a factor in the increase in asthma figures; if she will fund an information campaign on indoor air pollution, particularly with regard to volatile organic compounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15368/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood and approximately 10% have experienced an attack of asthma at some stage. Across Europe the level of asthma has increased significantly and in this country has risen to 20% in young teenagers.

There are many risk factors for asthma. It is considered as a complex disorder where genetics and the environment play an interacting role. Certain agents in the environment can initiate inflammation in airways of susceptible individuals and trigger an attack of asthma. These agents can be found everywhere, outdoors, indoors and at work. In recognition of the significance of environmental factors in contributing to susceptibility to asthma, Ireland hosted the European Union's Joint Research Council Childhood Asthma Envirogenomics Conference in 2004, which is continuing to provide further research information on asthma and its causes. The Irish European Union Presidency also proposed additional research into the factors underlying asthma. In relation to the exposure of children to environmental tobacco smoke which contributes to childhood asthma, the smoke free at work initiative will ensure greater protection from toxic tobacco smoke.

The health promotion unit has no plans to conduct an information campaign on this issue in 2005. However, the unit will raise the matter in discussions with the Health Services Executive in relation to the devolvement of the unit's executive functions to that organisation.