Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on concerns that the Irish Osteoporosis Society may have to close due to lack of funding; the steps she will take to support people with osteoporosis; the number of people with osteoporosis here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39352/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will comment on concerns that the Irish Osteoporosis Society may have to close due to lack of funding; the steps she will take to support people with osteoporosis; the numbers of people with osteoporosis here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38612/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 293 together.

The Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) received funding from the Health Service Executive of €130,000 in 2005. The IOS sought further funding of €128,000 during 2006. Following a series of meetings and checking of documentation, the HSE provided this amount to the IOS on the 22nd of September 2006.

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that the IOS have not formally applied for further funding but have indicated they wish to. Representatives from the Population Health Directorate are scheduled to meet with the IOS on the 28th November to discuss funding.

Osteoporosis can affect men, women and children of all ages. As many cases of osteoporosis remain undetected until a fracture is sustained it is difficult to give exact incidence and prevalence rates for the disease in Ireland. However, osteoporosis is currently estimated to affect 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 years of age. Furthermore, loss of bone density, symptomatic of the potential to develop osteoporosis occurs with advancing age and rates of fracture increase markedly with age, giving rise to significant morbidity and mortality.

The Department has supported the National Council on Ageing and Older People and the Health Service Executive in the establishment of a steering committee to oversee the development of a strategy to prevent falls and fractures in the ageing population. This committee is chaired by the HSE, and it is understood that a subgroup has been established to examine the area of osteoporosis.