Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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468. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide figures on cases of asbestosis that are collated across the State; the incidence of same in County Kildare, particularly in Athy when compared to the national average; if those with asbestosis can avail of health programmes or compensation for their condition; the regulations that are in place to deal with removal of asbestos; if it is envisaged that there will be any assistance to help with the removal of asbestosis in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2809/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I would like to advise the Deputy that the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is responsible for Regulations under the Asbestos Directive which include matters relating to the removal of asbestos. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 386 of 2006) the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is required to maintain the Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Register. Operation of the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme is a matter for the Department of Social Protection.

From a health service perspective, asbestosis is a chronic (long-term) lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos and patients with this condition have access to the same range of diagnostic and treatment services provided in the public health system as other patients with chronic lung conditions.

Patients with asbestosis have a higher risk of developing other serious conditions, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural disease. Very severe cases of asbestosis can cause serious ill health and reduce life expectancy. However, in many cases, the condition does not progress. More people with asbestosis die as a result of one or more of the cancers mentioned above rather than from asbestosis itself.

Treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of someone with asbestosis. Treatment components include quitting smoking, vaccinations against potentially dangerous lung infections such as influenza and pneumococcus, drug therapies and oxygen therapy.