137 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have died from AIDS in Dublin hospitals in each of the years from 1989 to 1991; and to date in 1992.

138 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have died from AIDS in Cork hospitals in each of the years from 1989 to 1991; and to date in 1992.

139 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have died from AIDS in Limerick hospitals in each of the years from 1989 to 1991; and to date in 1992.

140 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have died from AIDS in Waterford hospitals in each of the years from 1989 to 1991; and to date in 1992.

141 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have died from AIDS in Galway hospitals in each of the years from 1989 to 1991; and to date in 1992.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 141, inclusive, together.

Under the Department's system for monitoring deaths from AIDS, reports are submitted from the doctor in charge of the patient directly to the medical officer in my Department who is responsible for the collection and evaluation of the data. The reports on individuals contain general demographic and clinical information regarding the patient for the purposes of epidemiological surveillance at the national level. The data would not, therefore, indicate the precise location of death of the patient.

The Deputy will be aware of the need for utmost confidentiality and anonymity in relation to the monitoring of the infection and, in this regard, I am satisfied that the information collected by my Department in the reporting of deaths from AIDS is appropriate.

As regards epidemiological information for the purpose of planning programmes and services for AIDS/HIV, the availability of detailed information regarding the prevalence and incidence of HIV is highly significant. In this context, the Deputy will be aware that I recently extended the HIV-surveillance programme through unlinked, anonymous batch screening of surplus blood donated at ante-natal clinics for routine clinical purposes. I propose to announce further initiatives in this area shortly.