Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 349: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department has received correspondence from the Dublin county coroner pointing out a possible cluster of CJD cases in the Dún Laoghaire and Bray area; if she will initiate an investigation into this matter of public health and safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1329/06]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 371: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if in view of the findings of the Dublin county coroner (details supplied) who has pointed to a possible cluster of new variant CJD victims, she will ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out by her Department or the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1415/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 371 together.

Following the inquest into the death of a young Dublin man from variant CJD, I have received correspondence from the Dublin county coroner requesting an investigation into the apparent geographical connection of this case with two other cases of variant CJD. The chief medical officer of my Department has requested the Health Service Executive to examine these cases to investigate any possible link.

The CJD advisory group provides scientific, professional and technical advice to me on all aspects of CJD and recommends appropriate policy responses in the light of the evolving information and evidence on this topic. The advisory group will continue to monitor all developments nationally and internationally and, along with my Department's chief medical officer, will advise me of any relevant developments.