asked the Minister for Health the money provided by her Department for research into the causes of sudden infant cot deaths; if she will provide funds for research on a regular annual basis; and if she will specify the agencies involved in research on the subject.

The Medico-Social Research Board, whose activities are financed by my Department, has been carrying out research into the cause of sudden infant death since 1979. This year £36,000 was made available to the board for research in this area. The allocation of additional funds for further research will be considered following an evaluation of the results of the present study by the Medico-Social Research Board. In addition to the research being carried out by the Medico-Social Research Board there is a privately funded research project into the causes of sudden infant death under way at present in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.

Would the Minister agree that by reason of the nature of the research required it is important that the society be given a guarantee of a regular annual payment or grant from the Department?

I take the Deputy's point. The current research will not be concluded until March of next year. We will then have to have an evaluation of that research.

Is the Minister aware of the distress caused as a result of sudden infant cot death and the distress caused by post mortems and coroners' reports? The Minister should look into this matter in a humane way. Priority should be given to this area in relation to finance to ensure that this matter is removed from society. It is one of the most distressing things that can happen.

I am aware of the problem. I know parents whose children have suffered cot deaths and I know the trauma involved. The matter is under consideration. Very little is know about it at present and a great deal of research is needed. We do not know how useful the research will be.