Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I join in welcoming each of our witnesses. I thank Mr. Saunders, chairman of the Mental Health Commission, for the points offered by the commission in relation to definition. Each of the other points offered were highlighted on Friday and earlier today. As such, they are confirmatory in terms of points already shared across each of the different disciplines.

My first question is to Dr. Janice Walshe. Dr. Walshe made reference to international research regarding the impact of chemotherapy treatments on pregnant women. How extensive is that research and across what cohort of international experience was it compiled? Is there a body of evidence already accrued based on the situation in Ireland and factored into this international research?

I thank Dr. Kevin Walsh for his presentation. I know a number of people who attend the Warfarin clinic at my local hospital. Is it the case that there is a lowering age group who may be exposed to the use of Warfarin, with the result that there might thereby be an increased risk to women in years when conception is realistic? Because women are now getting pregnant when they are older the use of coagulants is becoming more prevalent and the age profile is lowering. Therefore, there is an increased risk in relation to Warfarin intake because as Dr. Walsh indicated it crosses the placenta and can cause foetal loss throughout pregnancy. I would be grateful if he could elaborate on that point.

Dr. Walsh cited statistics obtained from colleagues across the water regarding adult congenital heart disease and the termination of pregnancy. Is the statistic of one or two women in every 3,000 particular to some practices or are they indicative? Can Dr. Walsh extrapolate from that in relation to the likely situation that applies across the neighbouring island?