John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there has been an increase in allergies here in the past 10 years; the cost to the State of treating allergies; the steps she has taken to deal with this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40942/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Allergy describes a range of immune reactions to substances in the environment which, although usually harmless, may cause hypersensitivity in certain individuals. A range of body systems can be affected by substances in the air, in water and food. There is no overall figure on costs or the level of allergy in Ireland, however, it is generally accepted in the western world that there has been a real increase in the incidence of allergic conditions which are not simply related to better ascertainment.

Allergy services are provided for in the primary care setting and public hospitals provide further services for the identification and management of allergies. My Department has contacted the Health Service Executive on the provision of allergy services and I have requested that they reply directly to the Deputy with the available information.