Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Turner for his presentation. I am interested in the point that in America there is food fortification but that although the neural-tube defects incidence has reduced that reduction is less than had been hoped. Reference has been made to collating statistics. Professor Turner says there is a higher incidence in Ireland than in Malta, probably because of our abortion legislation. How are statistics on neural-tube defects, and the impact of food fortification on their reduction, collated, given the varying levels of termination around the world and transnational movement of people?

On the broader issue of food fortification, does this cover all food types or are there specific types of food that are more beneficial to women for periconceptual FA intake? There is now an obesity problem in this country. Demographics show that in ten years’ time many women of childbearing age will be obese. How does Professor Turner suggest we plan for that? While the Food Safety Authority is carrying out a review on food fortification is it wise for any country to put the health of the nation into the hands of food manufacturers without there being some form of regulatory oversight?